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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. sp2 (2026): Recent Advances in Agriculture

Metal oxide nanoparticles regulate germination, growth and oxidative stress responses in Withania somnifera L. Dunal

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.13882
Submitted
28 January 2026
Published
19-05-2026

Abstract

Chemically synthesised nanoparticles are promising growth elicitors for increasing plant production; their dose-dependent effects on medicinal plants have not yet been fully investigated. To bridge this gap, this study evaluated the effects of 3 metal oxide nanoparticles [copper oxide (CuO), zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂)] on the early development of Withania somnifera L. Dunal (Arka ashwagandha) seedlings at four different concentrations (CuO: 0.75–100 ppm; ZnO: 25–100 ppm; TiO₂: 4–10 ppm), with a priority on germination parameter. Germination percentage, biomass and biochemical responses were recorded over the 30-day growth period in which seeds were cultured under controlled conditions. In comparison to the control group, effective concentrations of nanoparticles, mainly CuO at 75 ppm, ZnO at 25 ppm and TiO₂ at 8 ppm, clearly improve germination percentage, fresh and dry biomass, total chlorophyll, protein, carbohydrate, phenolic and flavonoid content. Additionally, as compared to the control, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic tests of plants treated with nanoparticles showed encouraging findings for antioxidant activity. On the other hand, inhibitory effects, decreased growth and reduced biochemical performance were observed at high concentrations of ZnO and TiO₂, suggesting dose-dependent response. The results of this evaluation indicate a clear two-way response, with higher doses of nanoparticles causing oxidative stress while lower doses enhance metabolic activity. This study highlights the potential of precisely calibrated nanoparticle treatments to improve early growth and biochemical performance of W. somnifera.

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