The Effect of Foliar Spraying of Biosynthesized Copper Nanoparticles from Aqueous Extract of Ziziphus spina-christi Leaves on The Morphological Characteristics and Active Materials of Fenugreek Plant Trigonella foenum-graecum
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 15, No 2 (June 2026) pp. 544-553
Abstract
This work examines the effects of foliar spraying of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) made from an aqueous extract of Ziziphus spina-christi leaves on the morphological and physiological traits of Trigonella foenum-graecum. UV-Vis spectra showed an absorption peak of CuNPs at 236 nm. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of extract exhibited an irregular, uneven surface with mixed particle sizes, randomly distributed clusters, and high surface roughness (average 5.7 nm). In contrast, AFM images of CuNPs revealed spherical to semi-spherical NPs with an average diameter of 53.91 nm and a surface roughness of 1.22 nm. The FTIR spectrum of the plant extract showed phenolic O–H, carbonyl C=O, and C–O functional groups. In the CuNPs, noticeable peak shifts and reduced intensity indicate that hydroxyl and carbonyl groups are involved in the reduction of Cu ions and the capping of nanoparticles, thereby enhancing their stability during synthesis. All parameters decreased at the highest concentration, whereas lower concentrations promoted increased flowering and improved seed development.A significant increase in the content of valuable secondary metabolites in fenugreek seeds was recorded after treatment with CuNPs, with the effect increasing in a concentration-dependent manner up to the highest dose tested (200 ppm).
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