Application of Silica Nanoparticles Induces Seed Germination and Growth of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

Five rates of nano-silica (NS) suspensions (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg L-1) were used to study their effects on seed germination and growth development of cucumber (Cucumis sativus). The rate of 200 mg L-1 significantly increased final germination%, germination speed, vigor index, and germination index by 28.7, 70.3, 46.7 and 68.8 %, respectively, compared to untreated seeds. However, it reduced the mean germination time by 31.7%. Similarly, 200 mg L-1 NS had the highest fresh and dry weight of germinant. However, all NS treatments enhanced the seed germination and growth development in comparison to control.