EFFECT OF MAGNESIUM OXIDE (MgO) NANOPARTICLES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF BLACK-SEEDED BENISEED (Sesamum indicum L.)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Magnesium Oxide (MgO) nanoparticles on the performance of black-seeded beniseed. The black-seeded variety was obtained from the seed stores of the Botany department of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue state. MgO nanoparticles were applied to each variety at concentrations of 20ppm, 40ppm, 60ppm, 80ppm, and 100ppm, along with salt and NPK. The results of the seed germination test on day 7 showed that the nano treatment at a concentration of 100ppm improved the number of emergence (3), average length of plantlet (4.85), and plant vigor (5) compared to the control (2.5, 4.75, and 4), respectively. However, the highest nano concentration (50ppm) for average root length had a value (2.25) that was lower than the control (7). Regarding growth parameters, the nano concentration of 20ppm improved the number of leaves (84.0±42.5) and the number of branches (7.60±5.90) compared to salt (65.00±15.98 and 7.500±1.768) and NPK (65.00±6.36 and 6.860±1.264), respectively. An 80ppm concentration improved plant height (70.00±15.80), leaf length (15.30±4.21), and stem diameter (5.00±0.00) compared to salt (84.40±18.53, 20.10±3.96, and 5.00±0.00) and NPK (89.00±6.60, 15.80±4.21, and 5.00±0.00). Statistical analysis indicated a significant difference in leaf length and stem diameter only. For reproductive parameters, 20ppm and 60ppm improved the number of pods (12.60±16.20) and the number of flowers (42.60±4.22) compared to salt (11.40±10.43 and 41.80±2.59) and the number of flowers with NPK (39.20±5.67), respectively. However, the number of pods for NPK had the highest value (18.20±8.93). Only the number of flowers showed a significant statistical difference among the treatments. Regarding plant biomass, 20ppm improved wet biomass (43.86±15.00) but not as much as salt (55.34±14.98) and NPK (106.5±138.5). An 80ppm concentration significantly improved dry biomass (16.04±4.73) compared to salt (15.50±2.58) and NPK (15.34±6.59). Statistical analysis indicated a significant difference in dry biomass. Results for seed germination showed that MgO nanoparticle treatment improved all seed germination parameters, including average root length. Additionally, MgO nanoparticle treatment improved the overall performance of black-seeded beniseed compared to salt and NPK. Therefore, the use of MgO nanoparticles is recommended for black-seeded beniseed cultivation to enhance seed germination and overall performance.