LAUSR

Abstract Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) as environmental friendly agent were applied for induces enhancement in the growth of three different groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars (NC, Gregory and Giza 6). The tested cultivars are different at biochemical and physiological levels. Foliar application of SeNPs (0, 20 and 40 ppm) was applied during vegetative stage. Foliar application of SeNPs (0, 20 and 40 ppm) was applied during vegetative stage. Effect of SeNPs on growth depends upon the used concentration of selenium nanoparticles and groundnut cultivar. Application of SeNPs improved growth of Gerogory cv. and Giza 6 cv., respectively, while the growth parameters of NC cv. were relatively negative affected by SeNPs treatments. The effects of SeNPs on growth of groundnut cultivars were linked with physiological and biochemical plant properties i.e. the changes in photosynthetic pigments, lipid peroxidation, antioxidants enzymes (catalase, peroxidase and ascorbic acid peroxidase), total phenols, total flavonoids and total soluble sugars. Generally, nano selenium act as stimulator and/or stressor enhanced the antioxidant defense systems in tested groundnut cultivars leads to the improvement of plant tolerance under sandy soil conditions.