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Agriculture and Biomedical OPEN ACCESS

Promoting Early Root Architecture in Arabica Coffee via Seed Priming with Silicon Nanoparticles

Rahul Verma
Department of Plant Sciences, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
Sara Al-Mutairi
Department of Crop Production, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Daniel Osei
Department of Agronomy, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
Jingwen Liu
College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
tajabe 2025
VOL. 7 / NO. 05 MAY
VOLUME 7
ISSUE 05
YEAR 2025
PAGES 1-5

Abstract

Seed priming has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance seedling establishment and root development in various crops. This study investigates the effects of nanosilicon (SiNPs) priming on root characteristics and seedling growth in Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) during its early stages. Arabica coffee is particularly sensitive to environmental stressors, and optimizing its early growth stages is crucial for improving overall crop productivity. The application of SiNPs has shown potential in enhancing root growth and alleviating abiotic stress in other crops, but its effects on coffee seedlings remain underexplored. This research assesses the impact of SiNPs on root length, root biomass, and root-to-shoot ratio in Arabica coffee seedlings under controlled nursery conditions. Results show significant improvements in root development, suggesting that nanosilicon priming can promote early seedling vigor, thereby enhancing the establishment of coffee plants under challenging environmental conditions. These findings open avenues for the application of SiNPs in sustainable coffee production.

Keywords

Coffea arabica seed priming nanosilicon

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