Biogenic Co2O3/ZnO Nanocomposites for Sustainable Agriculture: Mechanistic Insights into Black Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) Seed Germination and Seedling Growth
Sangita Yadav
Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, Starex University, Gurugram 122413, Haryana, India.
Anamika
Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, Starex University, Gurugram 122413, Haryana, India.
Aarti Saini
Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, Starex University, Gurugram 122413, Haryana, India.
Karina
Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, Starex University, Gurugram 122413, Haryana, India.
Bhanupriya
Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, Starex University, Gurugram 122413, Haryana, India.
Meena Yadav
*
Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, Starex University, Gurugram 122413, Haryana, India.
Nikita Kaushik
*
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Starex University, Gurugram 122413, Haryana, India.
Rajat Arora
Nanotechnology Research and Application Centre, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Sustainable nanotechnology offers an environmentally responsible approach to improving crop establishment. This study synthesised Co₂O₃/ZnO nanocomposites using Citrus limon leaf extract and evaluated their effects on the germination and early seedling growth of black chickpea (Cicer arietinum). The nanocomposites were characterised using X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Seed-germination experiments were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions using nanocomposite amounts of 0, 1, 2, and 3 mg. The 3 mg treatment produced the highest response, with 18 of 20 seeds germinating, equivalent to 90% germination. This treatment also produced the highest reported seedling vigor index and the greatest root and shoot growth within the tested range. During the 20-day assessment, seedlings treated with 3 mg reached root and shoot lengths of 11.3 and 6.2 cm, respectively, compared with 8.2 and 3.5 cm in the control. The characterisation findings supported the formation of the Co₂O₃/ZnO nanocomposite, while the germination experiment demonstrated concentration-dependent improvements in early seedling performance within the tested range. These findings indicate that lemon-leaf-mediated Co₂O₃/ZnO nanocomposites merit further evaluation as nanopriming materials. Greenhouse and field investigations are required to assess their longer-term agronomic performance, optimum application levels, and environmental safety.
Keywords: Green synthesis, cobalt oxide, zinc oxide, nanocomposites, citrus limon, cicer arietinum, nanopriming, seed germination, seedling vigor, sustainable agriculture.