Green Synthesis of α-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles Using Pistachio Leaf Extract Influenced Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Tomatos

The objective of this study is to assess the effects of the green synthesis of Hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles derived from pistachio (Pistacia vera L) leaves on seed germination and seedling growth of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.). Hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles were synthesized using the pistachio leaves aqueous extract at ambient temperature. X-ray diffraction characterized the final product as crystalline α-Fe2O3 with the size of 40 nm. The seeds were then treated with different concentrations of α-Fe2O3 (10, 40, 80, 100 and 200 ppm). The transmission electron microscopy results reveal the presence of a network of randomly-oriented α-Fe2O3 spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 40 nm. The green synthesized α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles significantly improved seed vigor index, shoot length, fresh and dry weight of the tomato seedlings. Interestingly, lower concentration (10 ppm) of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles improved the vigor index by 24 %, shoot length by 48.6 %, seedling fresh weight by 41 %, and seedling dry weight by 135 % compared to control (p 0.025, p 0.001, p 0.005 and p 0.01; respectively). Overall, the results of the current study show that the green synthesis of the nanoparticles from the pistachio leaves’ extract holds promise in that the synthesized nanoparticles can enhance seed germination and seedling vigor of tomatos.