Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Stomatal Density, Herbivory, and Germination

Wade Williams, Xynone Cabal, and Skylar Worster

Abstract:
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are very small pieces of elemental silver that range from 1-100 nanometers. Application of silver nanoparticles has increased due to their antimicrobial, electrical, and other unique properties. As everyday use increases, we can expect more AgNPs to end up in soils. Increased presence of AgNPs in soils make them of particular concern for plant life as they are assimilated. This study focused on the effect of AgNP treatment on Arabidopsis thaliana herbivore preference, as well as Brassica Rapa's germination rate and stomatal density under varying AgNP concentrations. AgNPs had a significant effect on germination rate, but did not affect herbivore preference or stomatal density significantly. Future research should include larger sample sizes for stomatal density and germination, and also use a specialist herbivore to determine if AgNP presence would affect their preference more than the generalist feeder used in this study.