What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to assess how different doses and application methods of selenium nanoparticles affect the growth and antioxidant responses of Capsicum annuum.

March 25, 2026Open Access

Dose- and Application-Dependent Effects of Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles on Germination, Growth, and Antioxidant Response of Capsicum annuum L.

Key Points

This research aims to assess how different doses and application methods of selenium nanoparticles affect the growth and antioxidant responses of Capsicum annuum.
Selenium nanoparticles were synthesized via green routes.
Various concentrations (1.25 to 80 µM) were tested during germination and vegetative phases.
Hydroponic experiments were conducted to compare root and foliar application methods.
Physiological indicators such as growth, pigment content, and antioxidant activity were measured.
Seed vigor index significantly improved at all concentrations, particularly at 20 µM.
Low to moderate doses (1.25–20 µM) enhanced plant height, root length, and biomass.
High doses (80 µM) caused phytotoxic effects, leading to growth inhibition and reduced chlorophyll content.
Foliar application improved root growth and photosynthetic activity without toxicity symptoms.
Antioxidant assays indicated a dose-dependent modulation of oxidative balance.

Abstract

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) synthesized through green routes have emerged as promising nanobiostimulants in sustainable agriculture due to their ability to enhance plant growth and antioxidant defense. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biostimulant effect of SeNPs on Capsicum annuum at two stages of crop development to characterize the response to SeNP exposure and identify concentration-dependent effects and application methods. Physiological indicators, including growth, photosynthetic pigment content, and antioxidant activity, were evaluated. Different concentrations of SeNPs were tested during germination, and dosage and two types of application were compared during the vegetative phase in a hydroponic experiment. SeNPs at concentrations of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 µM were applied to chili seeds for 20 days. The plants were exposed to SeNPs concentrations ranging from 1.25 to 80 µM, applied through the roots and leaves. Germination parameters were not significantly affected except for the seed vigor index, which increased at all concentrations, particularly at 20 µM. Low to moderate doses (1.25–20 µM) acted as biostimulants, enhancing plant height, root length, biomass accumulation, photosynthetic pigment content, and phenolic and flavonoid compound synthesis. Conversely, high doses (80 µM) induced phytotoxic effects, especially via root exposure, reflected by growth inhibition, and reduced chlorophyll content. Foliar application demonstrated a systemic biostimulant response, improving root growth and photosynthetic activity without toxicity symptoms. Antioxidant assays (DPPH and ABTS) revealed dose-dependent modulation of redox balance, suggesting adaptive responses to SeNP-induced oxidative conditions. These findings highlight the potential of SeNPs as biostimulants that improve physiological performance in chili plants, while emphasizing the importance of an optimal dosing and application method for sustainable nanotechnology-based crop management.

Dose- and Application-Dependent Effects of Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles on Germination, Growth, and Antioxidant Response of Capsicum annuum L.

Key Points

Abstract

Cite This Study