ABSTRACT
An investigation was carried out to evaluate the impact of green silver and zinc nanoparticles on seed quality and for the control of Fall armyworm in maize at Green Nano Technology Laboratory and Department of Seed Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during 2023-24. Green synthesis of silver and zinc nanoparticles were mediated through neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract as it acts as reducing and capping agent. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Visible spectrophotometer (AgNPs - 435 nm and ZnNPs - 365 nm), PSA (AgNPs - 43.93 nm and ZnNPs – 79.47 nm), SEM (AgNPs - Spherical shape, ZnNPs – Spherical and triangular shape), XRD (both the nanoparticles are Crystalline in nature) and FTRI (Presence of different functional groups). Further, standardization for effective concentration (250 ppm,500 ppm, 750 ppm and 1000 ppm) and priming duration (6, 8 and 12 h) for silver and zinc nanoparticles were standardized inclusive of hydropriming and control. The seed treated with ZnNPs at 750 ppm for 6 h recorded significantly higher germination percentage of (97 %), shoot length (21.53 cm), root length (20.17 cm) and seedling vigour index I (4045) compared to control. Under green house condition, the standardized concentrations of Ag and ZnNPs were primed before sowing in the pot. The standardized concentration of 750 ppm of Ag and ZnNPs for seed priming was doubled (1500 ppm) for foliar application at 16 DAS and 2nd instar larvae were released on 17 DAS. After 96 h observations were recorded. Among the treatments, lower leaf damage severity of 6.67 and higher larval mortality of 93.33 percent against 2nd instar was recorded in AgNPs and was on par with ZnNPs (86.67 % larval mortality) compared to control.