Vol. 9, Issue 1, Part I (2025)

The present investigation entitled “Effect of biosynthesized vekhand mediated nanoparticles on pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis infestation and seed quality parameters in chickpea” was conducted in laboratory condition at Seed Technology Research Unit, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri during 2023-2024 under ambient room condition. The laboratory experiment was carried out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with seven treatments and replicated thrice. The objective of the experiment was to study the effect of biosynthesized vekhand mediated silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs @ 200 ppm (T₁), Ag NPs @ 400 ppm (T₂), Ag NPs @ 600 ppm (T₃) and Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs @ 200 ppm (T₄), ZnO NPs @ 400 ppm (T₅), ZnO NPs @ 600 ppm (T₆) on infestation of pulse beetle and seed storability of chickpea during storage. The silver (Ag) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were biosynthesized from vekhand rhizomes. Nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Visible Spectrophotometer and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) for confirmation of its size. The characterization of nanoparticles revealed that the maximum absorbance peaks at 420 nm for Ag NPs and 370 nm for ZnO NPs with an average size of 0.1 µm. Seed damage (%), Seed weight loss (%), Seed germination (%), Seed moisture content (%), Seed vigour Index I were recorded at 30 days interval up to 180 days of storage. Results revealed that seed treatment with Ag NPs @ 600 ppm found most effective by recording least seed damage, seed weight loss and seed moisture content, highest seed germination and seedling vigour index I followed by ZnO NPs @ 600 ppm throughout the storage period.