Green‐Synthesized Iron Nanoparticles from Bauhinia purpurea Leaf Enhance Antioxidant Response in Chickpea: A Dose‐Dependent Seed Priming Study

Abstract Green nanotechnology is an emerging approach in agriculture that plays a vital role in crop production with environmental integrity and sustainability. Iron plays a significant role in plant growth and metabolic activities like DNA synthesis, respiration, and photosynthesis. Therefore, the present investigation was conducted to examine the effect of seed priming with green‐synthesized iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) on the antioxidant responses of chickpea. FeNPs were synthesized using Bauhinia purpurea leaf extract and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, UV–visible spectroscopy, and particle size analyzer. The analysis showed a maximal absorption peak at 250 nm and a mean diameter of 95.9 nm. The optimization of seed priming with FeNPs comprised an 8 h duration and a concentration range of 50–250 ppm. The FeNPs were used in a greenhouse experiment to evaluate their effect on antioxidant enzymes in chickpea leaves at 50% flowering stage. The concentration of 150 ppm showed the highest ascorbate oxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase activity with 26.57%, 32.61%, 36.91%, 37.57%, and 58.61% increase, respectively, in comparison to the control. This investigation shows that FeNPs synthesized using B. purpurea elevate antioxidant enzyme activity in chickpea in a dose‐dependent manner. The overall study revealed that seed priming with FeNPs can be used as a potential strategy to enhance the first line of defense system and antioxidant potential. Antioxidant enzymes like catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and prevent cellular damage in plant tissues. Thus, augmented levels of these enzymes may enhance physiological function, improve growth, and support better stress tolerance. Although increased antioxidant enzyme activity benefits plant health, further investigations are needed to check downstream effects on human nutrition and health.