Synthesis and Characterization of Zinc Nanoparticles by Natural Organic Compounds Extracted from Licorice Root and their Influence on Germination of Sorghum bicolor Seeds

Abstract

This work aims to biosynthesize zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) from licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root extract and to apply that on seeds germination of two Sorghum bicolor varieties (Enkath and Rabeh). Three concentrations of both licorice extract and colloidal solutions of ZnNPs (25%, 50%, and 75%) were tested on some features of planting seeds in vitro including Seeds germination percentage, shoot length, root length, seedlings length, and Root-Shoot Ratio. Along with that, characterization of ZnNPs was also done. AFM of the phyto-synthesized ZnNPs reached an average of 68.69 nm. Presenting of (-CH) group through FTIR confirmed finding compounds –CHR 3R and –CHR 2R in monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides and mono acidic saccharides. The exposure to ZnNPs showed remarkable effects on seed germination and other growth parameters of sorghum seedlings. The low concentration of 25% of ZnNPs exhibited the best shoot length compared with the high concentrations (50% and 75%). The two concentrations of 50% and 75% exhibited the presence of hairy roots in order to the smallness of roots. Thus, the low concentration (25%) of ZnNPs can be used as a material for S. bicolor seed priming in the field with low toxicity on this plant. The results of this work encourage using ZnNPs as an improver in agricultural applications.