Applications of Silica Nanoparticles in Tomatoes to Overcome Drought Stress

Abstract

Water scarcity can make plants experience drought stress. This can happen from the germination stage. The seed priming method with silica nanoparticles was used to overcome this issue. Tomato seeds were soaked in a suspension of silica particles (average size of 10 nm). Drought stress was simulated by using polyethylene glycol (20,000) with concentration of 10–20 wt% in germination media. The results showed that the method of priming with silica nanoparticles was able to withstand drought stress and improve seed germination performance.

Graphical Abstract

Seedlings observed after germination.