Effect of CuO Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Cucumis sativus Extract on Germination of Arachis hypogaea Seeds

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to synthesize CuONPs using aqueous extract of Cucumis sativus as reducing agent with copper nitrate as precursor. The CuO nanoparticles have been synthesized by eco-friendly, simple and rapid method. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The existence of CuONPs as revealed by UV-Vis spectroscopy showed the absorption maximum at 3.991 with a wavelength of 228 nm. The FT-IR spectra identified the functional groups of the active component in Cucumis sativus. The XRD and SEM revealing crystallinity and spherical morphology of the synthesized CuONPs. The synthesized CuONPs were used to investigate its effect on the germination and seedling growth of Arachis hypogaea seed at different concentration of 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00g/l. The result showed a positive effect on both germination, roots and shoots length of seed of Arachis hypogaea at lower concentration. The results confirmed the feasibility of using aqueous extract of Cucumis sativus for the synthesis of CuONPs.