Phytosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Leaf Extracts from Ocimum basilicum and Mangifira indica and their Effect on some Biochemical Attributes of Triticum aestivum

In this investigation, leaf extracts of Ocimum basilicum and Mangifira indica were used as reducing agents for biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The biosynthesized AgNPs were authorized by UV-vis spectrophotometry and X‑ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. AgNPs were obtained after 5 min of reaction at 80^oC. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by the presence of absorption peaks at 439 nm using extract from O. basilicum and at 442.5 nm from M. indica. X‑ray spectra showed strong peaks for the crystalline Ag. Shape and size of the biosynthesized AgNPs were studied using high resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM). Size of the produced AgNPs was found to be 9–35 nm. Effect of the synthesized nanosilver was then investigated on some biochemical attributes of wheat plant (Triticum aestivum cultivar saka 92). The growth parameters such as shoot lengths, fresh and dry weight of shoot, chlorophyll, carbohydrate and protein contents in shoot of wheat plant were investigated. Application of AgNPs synthesized from Ocimum basilicum and from Mangifira indica at the concentrations of 20,40 ppm showed an increase in shoot length, fresh and dry weight of shoot, chlorophyll, total carbohydrate and protein content in shoot of wheat plants, beyond these concentrations an inhibitory effects were shown.