Article

Exposure of cherry radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. Radculus Pers) to iron-based nanoparticles enhances its nutritional quality by trigging the essential elements

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Abstract

Iron (Fe) deficiency is a pervasive nutritional disorder, and producing vegetables enriched with Fe as a dietary source is imperative. Herein, Fe3O4, FeO(OH), α-Fe2O3, β-Fe2O3, γ-Fe3O4, and nZVI nanoparticles (NPs) were used to enhance the Fe nutrition in cherry radish. The highest enhancement Fe (58%) was observed in Fe3O4 treatment at 100 mg kg⁻¹, followed by FeO(OH) (49%), α-Fe2O3 (24%), nZVI (14%), β-Fe2O3 (13%) and γ-Fe3O4 (4%). The daily intake of Fe was 97–104% and 77–91%, with Fe3O4 and FeO(OH) at 100–200 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. Moreover, the zinc, vitamin C, and crude protein contents were also increased by 37%, 48% and 67% under Fe3O4 treatment as compared to control. Fe3O4 at 100 mg kg⁻¹ also increased the essential amino acids (phenylalanine, leucine and isoleucine) contents by 11–14%. These data suggest that Fe3O4 and FeO(OH) NPs could be effective nanofertilizers to enhance Fe nutrition in plants.

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... An alternative to the above is using Fe nanoparticles (e.g., Fe 2 O 3 NPs), which have shown positive effects in various plant species. For example, the applications of different Fe nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 , FeO(OH), α-Fe 2 O 3 , β-Fe 2 O 3 , γ-Fe 3 O 4 ) showed increases in biomass, vitamin C and amino acids such as phenylalanine, isoleucine, and valine in R. sativus plants (Shakoor et al., 2022). In another study, Khalid et al. (2022) analyzed the effect of FeO NPs against a conventional fertilizer (FeSO 4 ) in Caesalpinia bonducella L. plants, finding increases of up to 43% in plant height and biomass, as well as increases close to 50% in the concentration of photosynthetic pigments, which indicates greater efficiency when using the nanofertilizer. ...
... An increase in the fresh and dry biomass of radishes was also reported by Shakoor et al. (2022) when applying nanoparticles of FeO (OH) and Fe 3 O 4 . ...
... In a study carried out with different types of Fe NPs (FeO (OH), Fe3O4, nZVI, α-Fe 2 O 3 , β-Fe 2 O 3, and γ-Fe 3 O 4 ) in R. sativus plants, the concentration of minerals such as N and Ca was not altered. Mg and Zn (Shakoor et al., 2022). A similar result was reported by Corral-Díaz et al. (2014), where CeO2 NPs did not modify mineral accumulation in R. sativus plants. ...
Article
The objective of this research was to compare the applications through drench (on the surface of the substrate) and foliar application of Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles (Fe 2 O 3 NPs) against a conventional Fe fertilizer (Fe-EDTA) in Raphanus sativus L. plants established in a soilless system under a greenhouse. The seeds of the cv. Champion were sown in 2 L pots with a mixture of peat moss:perlite in a 1:1 ratio. A 50% concentrated Steiner solution supplied plant nutrition. Fourteen days after sowing, the applications of the treatments began. Treatments consisted of foliar and drench applications of Fe-EDTA and Fe 2 O 3 NPs. The standard amount of Fe applied in a radish on a soilless system (13 mg plant − 1) was taken as a reference. The control treatment was the application of Fe-EDTA by drenching, while the same product was also applied via foliar application. Fe 2 O 3 NPs were applied at 100, 75, and 50% for control through foliar and drench application. The treatments were administered weekly, giving a total of four applications. The results showed that the dimensions and biomass of the R. sativus root increased in ranges of 20-30% when applying Fe 2 O 3 NPs, as well as the concentration of chlorophylls in the leaves by 18-38%. Similarly, increases between 24 and 147% were found in the levels of vitamin C, GSH, and antioxidant capacity in leaves and roots, in addition to a greater activity of antioxidant enzymes. The K concentration rose between 35 and 48% in leaves and roots, while Fe levels increased up to 40% in leaves. On the other hand, Fe 2 O 3 NPs showed a fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) up to 42% higher than that of Fe-EDTA. In conclusion, the results indicate that the complete replacement of Fe-EDTA with Fe 2 O 3 NPs is possible, improving the yield and quality of R. sativus and obtaining a better FUE.
... Por lo que, es necesario realizar mayores investigaciones para comprender el efecto de las NPs en la producción agrícola (Shakoor et al., 2022), debido a que su efecto depende de la especie química utilizada, la concentración, tamaño de NPs, biosíntesis, la vía y etapa de aplicación (Lu et al., 2020). Por otro parte, el cultivo de pepino (Cucumis sativus L.), ocupa 10% de la superficie total de los invernaderos en México (Valencia et al., 2018). ...
... Los resultados anteriores se explican por el tamaño de la nanopartícula el cual facilita su absorción, así como, su concentración adecuada para el metabolismo de la planta (Kandpal et al., 2014 Por consiguiente, el RE y crecimiento del fruto podría verse afectado por las NPs alterando sus actividades biológicas provocando las variaciones (Kanwar et al., 2019). Por lo tanto, son necesarios mayores estudios para poder explicar los efectos fisiológicos que tiene el uso de NPs metálicas, al mismo tiempo, es importante optimizar la dosis de NPs Fe considerando el impacto que tiene este elemento en la nutrición y desarrollo del cultivo (Yuan et al, 2018;Shakoor et al., 2022). ...
... La mayor concentración de Fe en hojas y en fruto se encontró con la dosis de 100 mg L -1 , superando en 52.3% y 71.37% al control. Se reporta que la aspersión foliar de 100 mg L -1 NPs Fe2O3 en Citrus maxima incrementó 44.7% el contenido de Malondialdehido (Hu et al., 2017), el contenido de Fe en 103% en Raphanus sativus (Shakoor et al., 2022). Por consiguiente, los resultados anteriores se deben a que la mayoría de las NPs están atrapadas en la cera superficial promoviendo la formación de racimos y aglomerados (Hu et al., 2017). ...
Article
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Iron (Fe) is an indispensable micronutrient for living beings. However, and despite the fact that it is one of the most abundant metals in the earth’s crust, there is low availability for crops, causing a deficit in the diet of around two million people in the world. Nano-biofortification can mitigate this deficiency since its application in crops improves the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds and promotes their bioaccumulation. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of Fe nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs) on the yield and biosynthesis of bioactive compounds in cucumber fruits. Four treatments were applied via foliar: 0, 50, 75 and 100 mg L-1 of Fe2O3 NPs. Foliar spraying with Fe2O3 NPs improved the yield and biosynthesis of bioactive compounds in cucumber fruits, increasing the yield by 38.99%, the biosynthesis of compounds by 30.18% and an increase of 23.26% of Fe in fruits. Foliar spraying of Fe2O3 NPs is an alternative to increase agricultural production, decreasing Fe deficiency, while improving the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds in order to ensure food and nutrition security.
... Nanotechnology is developing rapidly and its application in agriculture has been rapidly gaining acceptance worldwide. Nanoparticles (NPs) as a novel strategy used for improving agricultural productivity, minimizing nutrient losses, suppressing disease, and increasing yield play an important role in nanotechnology advances (Ahmad et al., 2018;Shakoor et al., 2022). The most important effects of nanoparticles (NPs) in medicinal plant species are to reduce the amount of plant poisons, reduce the wastage of nutrient compounds, and improve the effectiveness of other nutrients absorption and increasing the yield (Garcia et al., 2017;Adeel et al., 2019;Li et al., 2021). ...
... Despite the obtained results, it should be noted that the application of a certain concentration of nanoparticles in a species has positive effects on some of morphological, growth and phytochemical characteristics and neutral or negative effects on others (Bala et al., 2019;Shakoor et al., 2022). In fact, the effect of nanoparticles in medicinal plants is not only dependent on the concentration and size of the particles, but also depends on their interaction with environmental parameters such as temperature, pH, and characteristics of the culture medium (Lopez et al., 2017;Li et al., 2021). ...
Article
Nanomaterials can be used as elicitors for improving the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. The present study was conducted to assay the titanium dioxide-nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) effects on feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) as an anti-cancer plant. The study showed that TiO2-NPs application increased the amounts of the main compounds and oxygenated monoterpene in essential oils, thereby causing an improvement in the quantity and quality of the essential oils compared to control. The highest effect was related to 1500 ppm TiO2-NPs concentration. Regarding parthenolide, TiO2-NPs had no positive effect on parthenolide content and the highest content was observed in control. Increasing the concentrations over 1500 ppm resulted in a decrease in chlorophyll content, capitule diameter, flower yield, and harvest index compared to other concentrations and control. Additionally, the results indicated that TiO2-NPs foliar spray reduced flower number, biological yield, fresh weight, and dry weights compared with untreated plants. The increase in quality and content of essential oil and lack of increase in parthenolide content, and reproductive and vegetative characteristics showed that TiO2-NPs mainly affected the content and composition of essential oil. Totally, the application of TiO2-NPs in terms of positive effect on the yield and metabolites (without damaging biological effects) can be recommended and followed up to the concentration of 1000 ppm. Overall, the results indicated that improving the synthesis of valuable medicinal metabolites using TiO2-NPs has promising results depending on the type of species, concentration used and target metabolites.
... Interestingly, apples and carrots were the fruits and vegetables with the highest MPs content, with a medium level of 223,000 and 97,800 particles/g, respectively (Oliveri Conti et al., 2020). The authors speculated that the edible part of carrots has higher MP/NP concentrations due to direct contact with MPs/NPs in the soil, while the reason for the higher content of MPs in fruits may be related to the degree of vascularization of apple tree (Oliveri Conti et al., 2020;Shakoor et al., 2022). As compared with crops, trees have larger, more complex root systems and stronger transpiration pull, which can transport more MPs/NPs. ...
... A report that PS significantly affected the total amount of K and Fe in stems suggests that NPs affect the transport and redistribution of mineral elements (Lian, Wu, Xiong, et al., 2020). Correspondingly, plant growth and development can be significantly affected, especially those physiological and biochemical activities that depend on various mineral elements, such as chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthetic reactions (Pedersen et al., 2022;Shakoor et al., 2022;Zhao, Adeel, et al., 2022). NPs have now been shown to be transported from xylem to the leaves or even fruits . ...
Article
Nanoplastics (NPs) are accumulating in the soil environment at a rapid rate, which may cause serious consequences for ecosystems and human health. However, environmental behavior and toxicity of NPs in the soil‐plant system remain poorly understood. This review summarizes current studies on NP‐plant interactions to unravel uptake mechanisms and phytotoxicity of NPs. NPs could be taken up by plant roots and transported upward through the xylem to all organs of the plant, even to the edible parts such as the grain, thereby threatening human health. The interaction of NPs with plants affects plant transport of water and nutrients. Besides, it induces significant oxidative stress leading to inhibition of physiological and biochemical activities such as photosynthesis, and thus adversely affect plant growth and development. In addition, the co‐transport of NPs with other soil pollutants may induce the combined toxic effects. This study also discussed the potential mechanism of NP‐plant interactions based on previous experience with engineered nanomaterials. Finally, a comprehensive assessment of the key challenges in each area was presented, and future perspectives are offered.
... Nanoscale forms of nutrients can increase the bioavailability of these important elements [40] (Table 1). For instance, iron is an essential trace component for crops and is involved in numerous physiological metabolic processes, including protein synthesis, fixing nitrogen, photosynthesis, and others [41]. Xiong treated maize seeds using four concentrations of zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI). ...
Article
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Compared with conventional fertilizers, nano fertilizer has many advantages such as controlled release, controlled or slow release of nutrients, high efficiency of nutrition use, cheap, and little polluting of the environment. The use of fertilizers with nanotechnology is a new field in agriculture, and it is a promising and cost-effective substitute for conventional fertilizers to improve the productivity of the world’s food supply. Photosynthesis is an essential biochemical reaction on Earth. Improving photosynthesis, the basic process for light’s transformation into chemical energy is one of the most important areas of research for improving agricultural output and tackling world food security. Nano fertilizers can promote plant photosynthesis, improve crop photosynthetic efficiency, increase plant biomass, improve plant stress resistance, improve nutrient uptake efficiency, and encourage plant growth and development due to their tunable surface properties, special electronic, magnetic, and optical properties, and other characteristics. It can be seen that nano fertilizers and improving photosynthetic efficiency in plants are a hot topic of concern. Therefore, an overview of the effects of nano fertilizers on plant photosynthesis is given in this paper. These effects include the ability to increase biomass, pigment and gas openness, photosynthetic efficiency, and plant resistance to stress. On the other hand, improper use of nano fertilizers can have the opposite effect, inhibiting plant photosynthesis.
... These findings are consistent with those of El-Nasr et al. [94], who found increased leaf iron content in pear seedlings due to foliar application of magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) nanoparticles compared to control plants. In line with the present study's results, Shakoor et al. [95] observed that the application of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles significantly increased the leaf iron concentration in cherry radish (Raphanus sativus L.) compared to the control. Iron treatments led to a significant increase in copper concentration in the leaves (Fig. 6G). ...
Article
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Alkalinity is a significant environmental factor affecting crop production, which is exacerbated by the current climate change scenario. In alkaline soils, iron availability is severely reduced due to its low solubility at high pH levels and bicarbonate concentrations, which hinders plant iron absorption by rendering it inactive. In modern agriculture, green-synthesized nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention due to their environmental compatibility, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced potential for foliar uptake. This study explores the effects of various iron sources and concentrations, including FeSO4.7H2O, Fe-EDDHA, Nano-Fe, and green-synthesized nano-Fe, at three concentrations (0, 0.25, and 0.5 g L− 1) on the growth, physiological, biochemical parameters, and nutrient uptake of goji berry. The evaluated parameters included leaf area, fresh and dry weight of leaves and fruits, chlorophyll a, b, and a/b ratio, carotenoids, total soluble sugar in leaves and fruits, catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase enzymes, and the concentrations of nutrient elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Fe). Results demonstrated that increasing iron concentrations led to enhanced fresh and dry weights of leaves and fruits, with the highest values recorded at 0.5 g L⁻¹ of all iron sources. Nano-Fe significantly boosted fresh and dry weight of leaves, resulting in a 4.95 to 4.84-fold increase compared to the control. The highest fresh (1.267 g) and dry (0.815 g) fruit weights were observed at 0.5 g L⁻¹ of green-synthesized nano-Fe. Regarding photosynthetic pigments, the chlorophyll a/b ratio peaked at 1.62 mg g⁻¹ FW under the 0.5 g L⁻¹ green-synthesized nano-Fe treatment, while the control exhibited the lowest ratio (1.31 mg g⁻¹ FW). A similar trend was observed in nutrient uptake, with the highest leaf iron content (0.189 mg g⁻¹ DW) recorded in the 0.5 g L⁻¹ nano-Fe treatment, and the lowest (0.116 mg g⁻¹ DW) in the control. Although iron concentration positively influenced most traits, it led to a decline in zinc and manganese levels. Overall, these results highlight the potential of green-synthesized nano-Fe as an efficient, cost-effective iron source for improving vegetative growth, photosynthetic pigment levels, and nutrient uptake in goji berries grown in alkaline soils. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12870-024-05870-3.
... Green nanotechnology holds the potential to enhance crop yields through multiple mechanisms, such as developing crops resistant to extreme temperatures, formulating targeted insecticides for specific pests, addressing global warming issues, and creating nanotubes to retain soil moisture [142] . Both iron(III) oxide and iron(II) hydroxide NPs can be used as nano-fertilizers to enhance iron nutrition [143] . ...
... This is due to the difference of properties between MNP and NP. MNP is a nanoscale metal with dimensions (length, width, and thickness) in the range of 1-100 nm [66] which covers metal (Ag, Au, Ni; [35,47] [33,46]) ( Table 2). Compared to NPs, MNPs have a smaller particle size and higher density. ...
Article
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The emergence of human exposure (HE) to micro/nano-plastics (MN-P) via the food chain is a significant public health concern. This study aimed to evaluate HE from ingesting vegetables, fruits, and grains using linear regression models to analyse MN-P size-concentration relationships and bioaccumulation factors (BF). For Irish adults, the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of MN-Ps was calculated, considering potential internalisation in these foods, with a sensitivity analysis addressing variability and uncertainty. The simulated mean (SM) root stomatal diameter in selected plants was 620 nm, indicating the potential uptake of MN-Ps smaller than this size. The SM BF for vegetables was 24.24 for nanoplastics (NP). Limited NP data led to the use of metal nanoparticle (MNP) data, yielding an overall BF of 3.22 for pooled vegetables, fruits, and grains. Potential HE levels of MN-Ps in agricultural soil were simulated at 6.05 × 104 n/kg (SM), with predicted MN-P levels in edible plants at 1.47 × 106 n/kg of food products. The simulated EDI of MN-Ps through all crops was 1.62 × 103 n/kg bw/day, with vegetables contributing the most to MN-P exposure, followed by fruits and grains. Sensitivity parameters are ranked as MN-P abundance in soil > bioaccumulation factor > food consumption.
... The data showed that nZVI was absorbed through both infiltration and endocytosis, accordingly resulting in rapid Fe accumulation and transfer in plant tissues. 51 SEM images further confirmed that the surfaces of maize root and hyphae appeared to be smooth without attachment in FeSO 4 treatments. In contrast, FN-L treatment resulted in distinct patch-like attachments to the root and hyphal surfaces, without significant structural alterations in the symbionts. ...
... Ingestion through contaminated food/water is one of the principal channels by which MPs enter the body [42]. There is evidence that MPs/NPs can be taken up by plants [43,44], as traditionally engineered nanomaterials are, and thus enter the edible parts of plants [45,46]. Furthermore, an increasing number of MPs are detected in tap water and bottled drinking water, raising growing concerns about their fate and toxic effects [33,47]. ...
... To minimize toxicity of cadmium, plants have developed mechanisms i.e., exclusion by sugar and alcohols. The use of iron based nano-fertilizers mayprovide an alternate solution to eliminate the iron chlorosis symptoms, enhance growth and nutritional quality (Sheykhbaglou et al. 2018;Shakoor et al. 2022). Some studies have revealed that metals and their respective oxides of nanomaterial are dangerous for plant health whereas, some studies have shown that these particles are beneficial for the plant growth and productivity (Cvjetko et al. 2017;Okupnik and Pflugmacher 2016;Tripathi et al. 2017). ...
Article
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Heavy metals stress particularly cadmium contamination is hotspot among researchers and considered highly destructive for both plants and human health. Iron is examined as most crucial element for plant development, but it is available in inadequate amount because they are present in insoluble Fe ³⁺ form in soil. Fe 3 O 4 have been recently found as growth promoting factor in plants. To understand, a sand pot experiment was conducted in completely randomized design (control, cadmium, 20 mg/L Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles,40 mg/L Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles, 20 mg/L Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles + cadmium, 40 mg/L Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles + cadmium) to study the mitigating role of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles on cadmium stress in three Raphanus sativus c ultivars namely i.e., MOL SANO, MOL HOL PARI, MOL DAQ WAL. The plant growth, physiological and biochemical parameters i.e.,shoot length, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root length, root fresh and dry weight, MDA content, soluble protein contents, APX, CAT, POD activities and ion concentrations, membrane permeability, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and anthocyanin content, respectively were studied. The results displayed that cadmium stress remarkably reduces all growth, physiological and biochemical parameters for allcultivars under investigation. However, Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles mitigated the adverse effect of cadmium by improving growth, biochemical and physiological attributes in all radish cultivars. While, 20 mg/L Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles have been proved to be more useful against cadmium stress. The outcome of present investigation displayed that Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles can be utilized for mitigating heavy metal stress.
... Chandel et al. (Chandel et al., 2022) suggested that the endophytic fungal spores in rice plants were found to be very sensitive against carbon-based NPs even at lower concentrations. Likewise Shakoor et al. (Shakoor et al., 2022) described that peanut plant growth and yield was non-significantly affected by the treatment of AgNPs. Moreover, lower concentrations of NiO showed no effect on the survival, reproduction, and growth rate of earthworms, however at higher concentrations, the earthworms growth was significantly affected (Adeel et al., 2019) The applications of synthesized NPs have been successfully used in the field of agriculture and environmental remediation. ...
... However, in the case of the beneficial impact of NPs, they enhance height of root and shoot, leaf area, photosynthetic pigments content and antioxidant enzymes in different species (Salama. 2012;Sharma et al. 2012;Tawfik et al. 2021;Shakoor et al. 2022;Nazir et al. 2022;Linh et al. 2020). For example, among these NPs, nano-SiO 2 has been indicated to promote plant development by improving gas exchange, photosynthetic rate, transpiration level, stomatal conductance, electron transport system and photochemical quenching (Siddiqui et al. 2014;Younis et al. 2020;Huang et al. 2024). ...
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Main conclusion This review article highlights a broader perspective of NPs and plant–root interaction by focusing on their beneficial and deleterious impacts on root system architecture (RSA). Abstract The root performs a vital function by securing itself in the soil, absorbing and transporting water and nutrients to facilitate plant growth and productivity. In dicots, the architecture of the root system (RSA) is markedly shaped by the development of the primary root and its branches, showcasing considerable adaptability in response to changes in the environment. For promoting agriculture and combating global food hunger, the use of nanoparticles (NPs) may be an exciting option, for which it is essential to understand the behaviour of plants under NPs exposure. The nature of NPs and their physicochemical characteristics play a significant role in the positive/negative response of roots and shoots. Root morphological features, such as root length, root mass and root development features, may regulated positively/negatively by different types of NPs. In addition, application of NPs may also enhance nutrient transport and soil fertility by the promotion of soil microorganisms including plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) and also soil enzymes. Interestingly the interaction of nanomaterials (NMs) with rhizospheric bacteria can enhance plant development and soil health. However, some studies also suggested that the increased use of several types of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) may disrupt the equilibrium of the soil–root interface and unsafe morphogenesis by causing the browning of roots and suppressing the growth of root and soil microbes. Thus, this review article has sought to compile a broader perspective of NPs and plant–root interaction by focusing on their beneficial or deleterious impacts on RSA. Graphical abstract
... The application of Fe-NPs has demonstrated a positive impact on both crop yield and nutritional quality of food crops. For example, soybean and alfalfa (Iannone et al. 2021), cherry radish (Shakoor et al. 2022), Chickpea (Sabaghnia and Janmohammadi 2023), Green gram (Saleem and Khan 2023), Rice (Darmaningtyas and Sakya 2023) and Wheat (Lv et al. 2023). ...
Article
The application of nanotechnology in agriculture is driven by the pressing need to meet the increasing global demand for food production. Nanoparticles, owing to their incredibly small size, bridge the gap between macroscopic materials and atomic or molecular structures, making them ideal for various agricultural applications. They have the potential to revolutionize conventional farming practices by optimizing nutrient utilization, resource management, and environmental sustainability. The impact of nanotechnology on agriculture spans a wide range of areas, including nutrient delivery, pest management, soil fertility improvement, precision farming, water management, post-harvest preservation, environmental sustainability, smart delivery systems, genetic modification, and nanofertilizers (NFs). NFs, in particular, have garnered attention for their ability to improve nutrient delivery and enhance crop development, while minimizing environmental harm and reducing costs compared to traditional fertilizers. These nano-sized nutrients significantly enhance nutrient bioavailability to plants, ultimately promoting crop growth and yield. However, the application of nanomaterials in agriculture also raises concerns regarding their potential impact on soil microbial diversity, which plays a crucial role in maintaining soil health. In addition to NFs, this article discusses the role of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in agriculture. CNTs possess unique properties that can improve plant growth, root development, and resistance to salinity and disease. Furthermore, the article also deals with nanobiosensors and their application in precision agriculture. Moreover, this article addresses the importance of considering the toxicity, biosafety, and regulatory aspects when implementing nanotechnology in agriculture to maximize its potential benefits while safeguarding natural and environmental resources.
... In addition, MPs/NPs tend to adsorb different types of environmental contaminants in the soil resulting in more complex biological effects, like cadmium, arsenic, copper, carbon tetrachloride, pesticides, antibiotics [21][22][23]. Notably, NPs exhibit more complex soil environmental behaviors because of their small particle size and unique nano-size effects [24][25][26][27]. There are studies indicating that small-scale NPs or engineered nanomaterials could be absorbed and delivered to the fruit or edible parts by plants [28][29][30], which may be hazardous to human health [8,31,32]. ...
... 26 The global production of cherry radish is approximately 7 million tons per year, accounting for approximately 2% of the total global vegetable production. 27 In the present study, Si-based NMs, made from mineral resources (mainly composed of quartz, kaolinite, and illite), were used as a novel fertiliser to promote the yield and quality of cherry radish. Physiological responses of cherry radish (Raphanus sativus L.) upon exposure to Si-based NMs were evaluated. ...
Article
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Although silicon‐based nanomaterials (Si‐based NMs) can promote crop yield and alleviate biotic and abiotic stress, the underlying performance mechanisms are unknown. In the present study, the effect of the root application of Si‐based NMs on the physiological responses of cherry radish (Raphanus sativus L.) was evaluated in a life cycle experiment. Root exposure to 0.1% (w/w) Si‐based NMs significantly increased total fresh weight, total chlorophyll and carotenoids by 36.0%, 14.2% and 18.7%, respectively, relative to untreated controls. The nutritional content of the edible tissue was significantly enhanced, with an increase of 23.7% in reducing sugar, 24.8% in total sugar, and 232.7% in proteins; in addition, a number of nutritional elements (Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, K, Ca, and P) were increased. Si‐based NMs exposure positively altered the phytohormone network and decreased abscisic acid content, both of which promoted radish fresh weight. LC‐MS‐based metabolomic analysis shows that Si‐based NMs increased the contents of most carbohydrates (e.g., α‐D‐glucose, acetylgalactosamine, lactose, fructose, etc.) and amino acids (e.g., asparagine, glutamic acid, glutamine, valine, arginine, etc.), subsequently improving overall nutritional values. Overall, nanoscale Si‐based agrochemicals have significant potential as a novel strategy for the biofortification of vegetable crops in sustainable nano‐enabled agriculture.
... Shakoor et al. reported that iron-based nanofertilzers (Fe 3 O 4 and FeO(OH)) enhanced the cherry radish growth by improving the nutrient uptake (P, K, Fe, and Zn) and higher bioaccumulated. Fe-based NPs also increased vitamins C contents (37-67%) and amino acid contents in treated cherry radish thant that of control plants (Shakoor et al., 2022). Zhou et al. reported that nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) increased the rice growth rate by 13-42% compared to control plants and enhanced rices shoot nutrient concentration (Cu, Zn and Fe), and increased (267%) the Fe plaque blocking Cd uptake . ...
... Shakoor et al. reported that iron-based nanofertilzers (Fe 3 O 4 and FeO(OH)) enhanced the cherry radish growth by improving the nutrient uptake (P, K, Fe, and Zn) and higher bioaccumulated. Fe-based NPs also increased vitamins C contents (37-67%) and amino acid contents in treated cherry radish thant that of control plants (Shakoor et al., 2022). Zhou et al. reported that nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) increased the rice growth rate by 13-42% compared to control plants and enhanced rices shoot nutrient concentration (Cu, Zn and Fe), and increased (267%) the Fe plaque blocking Cd uptake . ...
... CaO-NPs also deprived synthesis of stress markers (MDA and H 2 O 2 ) in these plants (Nazir et al., 2022). NPs triggered and mobilized essential elements, thus improved nutrient availability and uptake (Shakoor et al., 2022). CaO-NPs enhanced nutrient uptake, especially boosted Ca 2+ uptake and conversely, improved growth, physiological and various biochemical attributes (Abdel-Kader et al., 2023;Farooq et al., 2023). ...
... The iron content, protein content and essential amino acids (phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine) was increased by 58 %, 67 % and 11-14.3 % in cherry radish with Fe 3 O 4 and FeO(OH) NPs treatment at concentration of 100 mg/Kg (Shakoor et al., 2022). The treatment of Rosmarinus officinalis with spermine coated Fe 3 O 4 NPs at a concentration of 50 mg/L showed increase in total soluble sugar content as compared to control treatment (Afrouz et al., 2023). ...
... Likewise, Raghib et al. (2020), Irshad et al. (2021), Mukarram et al. (2021b), Shakoor et al. (2022), andFarooq et al. (2023) have reported positive impacts of NPs on different crops, including barley, rice, wheat, and okra, respectively. The dual treatment of TiO 2 -NPs and Si-NPs in the presence of Cd caused activation of CAT activity, which was observed to be diminished under Cd stress (Fig. 3). ...
Article
Heavy metals, especially cadmium (Cd), cause severe toxicity symptoms in crop plants. Applying nanoparticles (NPs) as nano-fertilizers is a novel approach to mitigating plants' Cd stress. However, knowledge about the combinational use of silicon (Si) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs to mitigate Cd stress, especially in rice, must be highlighted. TiO2-NPs (15 mg L−1) and Si-NPs (2.5 mM) were applied alone and in combination to rice plants grown without (control; no Cd stress) and with (100 μM) Cd concentration. Results revealed that compared to the control plants, root length, shoot length, shoot fresh weight, and root dry weight of rice seedlings were significantly decreased by 25.43%, 26.64%, 34.13%, and 29.87% under Cd exposure. However, the synergistic effect of TiO2- and Si-NPs increased rice plants' shoot length, root length, root dry weight, and shoot fresh weight by 24.62%, 29.81%, 36.16%, and 33.07%, respectively, under the Cd-toxicity. The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 were amplified due to Cd stress, which leads to damage to the subcellular structures. Si and TiO2-NPs co-application improved the anti-oxidative enzymatic activities (catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase) and an elevated concentration of non-enzymatic glutathione in Cd-exposed rice. The Cd accumulation was condensed by 21.37% and 19.7% in the shoot, while 48.31% and 45.65% in root tissues under Si-NPs + Cd and TiO2-NPs + Cd treatments compared to Cd-alone treated seedlings, respectively. The expression patterns of metal transporters, such as OsNramp1 and OsHMA3, were the highest when rice plants were cultivated under Cd stress and significantly reduced when treated with sole and combined Si- and TiO2-NPs treatments. In conclusion, combining Si- and TiO2-NPs significantly improved the antioxidant enzymatic activities, chlorophyll contents, biomass production, and reduced cellular damage. Despite limitations, our findings guide future research, addressing risks, optimizing concentrations, and assessing long-term effects that can balance agricultural progress with environmental sustainability.
... Evidently, sustainable solutions for agricultural production require innovative approaches and the integration of knowledge from different research fields (Lowry et al., 2019a). One approach is to promote the intrinsic capabilities of field crops, particularly for crops facing stressed conditions; this strategy will help to reduce agricultural inputs, abate the harmful consequences of agrochemicals, and promote global food security Pang et al., 2021;Shakoor et al., 2022). When crop plants are grown under stress, the over-production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to the impairment of important biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids, resulting inhibition in plant growth . ...
Article
Nanotechnology has emerged as a key empowering technology for agriculture production due to its higher efficiency and accurate target delivery. However, the sustainable and effective application of nanotechnology requires nanomaterials (NMs) to have higher stability and less aggregation/coagulation at the reaction sites. This can ideally be achieved by modifying NMs with some surfactants or capping agents to ensure higher efficiency. These modified nanomaterials (MNMs) stabilize the interface where NMs interact with their medium of preparation and showed a significant improvement in mobility, reactivity, and controlled release of active ingredients for nano-enabled agriculture. Several environmental factors (e.g., pH, organic matter and the oxidationreduction potential) could alter the interaction of MNMs with agricultural plants. Firstly, this novel review article introduces production technologies and a few frequently used modification agents in synthesizing MNMs. Next, we critically elaborate the leveraging progress in the modified nano-enabled agronomy and unveil their phytoremediation potential. Lastly, we propose a framework to overcome current challenges and develop a strategy for safe, effective and acceptable applications of MNMs in nano-enabled agriculture. However, the long-term effectiveness and reactivity of MNMs should be investigated to assess their technology effectiveness and optimize the process design to draw definite conclusions.
... In the hydroponic treatment set, treatment with 2.5 mg L − 1 and 5 mg L − 1 significantly increased protein content in the shoot however in the root, protein content showed significant increment only at 5 mg L − 1 (Fig. S2 B-C). Earlier studies have found that Fe and Cu MNP supplementation had augmented protein content in several plants (Guha et al., 2022b;Shakoor et al., 2022). ...
Article
Application of nanomaterials in agriculture has been extensively explored over the past decade leading to a wide ambit of nanoparticle-based agrochemicals. Metallic nanoparticles consisting of plant macro- and micro-nutrients have been used as nutritional supplements for plants through soil amendments, foliar sprays, or seed treatment. However, most of these studies emphasize monometallic nanoparticles which limit the range of usage and effectivity of such nanoparticles (NPs). Hence, we have employed a bimetallic nanoparticle (BNP) consisting of two different micro-nutrients (Cu & Fe) in rice plants to test its efficacy in terms of growth and photosynthesis. Several experiments were designed to assess growth (root-shoot length, relative water content) and photosynthetic parameters (pigment content, relative expression of rbcS, rbcL & ChlGetc.). To determine whether the treatment induced any oxidative stress or structural anomalies within the plant cells, histochemical staining, anti-oxidant enzyme activities, FTIR, and SEM micrographs were undertaken. Results indicated that foliar application of 5 mg L−1 BNP increased vigor and photosynthetic efficiency whereas 10 mg L−1 concentration induced oxidative stress to some extent. Furthermore, the BNP treatment did not perturb the structural integrity of the exposed plant parts and also did not induce any cytotoxicity. Application of BNPs in agriculture has not been explored extensively to date and this study is one of the first reports that not only documents the effectivity of Cu-Fe BNP but also critically explores the safety of its usage on rice plants making it a useful lead to design new BNPs and explore their efficacy.
... Nanotechnology has shown innumerable applications for the sustainability of agroindustry for the last decade. It has been documented from the outcomes of many studies that incorporation of nanoparticles result in significant improvement in seed germination, plant growth, yield, and secondary metabolites production (Hussain et al., 2023;Shakoor et al., 2022;Tan et al., 2017;Ul Ain et al., 2017). The metal, metal oxide, polymer, and carbon-based nanoparticles like titanium, selenium, zinc oxide, copper oxide, iron, cerium, chitosan, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene oxide, etc., have stimulated the production of value-added bioactive compounds in different plant species. ...
Article
Nanotechnology has recently been emerged as a transformative technology that offers efficient and sustainable options for nano-bio interface. There has been a considerable interest in exploring the factors affecting elicitation mechanism and nanomaterials have been emerged as strong elicitors in medicinal plants. Stevia rebaudiana is well-known bio-sweetener and the presence of zero calorie, steviol glycosides (SGs) in the leaves of S. rebaudiana have made it a desirable crop to be cultivated on large scale to obtain its higher yield and maximal content of high quality natural sweeteners. Besides, phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidants are abundant in stevia which contribute to its medicinal importance. Currently, scientists are trying to increase the market value of stevia by the enhancement in production of its bioactive compounds. As such, various in vitro and cell culture strategies have been adopted. In stevia agronanotechnology, nanoparticles behave as elicitors for the triggering of its secondary metabolites, specifically rebaudioside A. This review article discusses the importance of S. rebaudiana and SGs, conventional approaches that have failed to increase the desired yield and quality of stevia, modern approaches that are currently being applied to obtain utmost benefits of SGs, and future needs of advanced technologies for further exploitation of this wonder of nature.
... Adding nano-formulated or nano-entrapped micronutrients to crops boost plant uptake, promote growth, and enhance soil health (Peteu et al., 2010). As an example, zinc, iron and copper nanoparticles at various doses reported to influence growth and physiological responses for many plant species by enhancing elongation of shoots and roots, fresh dry weight, and photosynthesis in micronutrients deficient soils (Moghaddasi et al., 2017;Ahmed et al., 2018;Shakoor et al., 2022). Further research is needed in this domain to identify NMs that perform multirole functions as nutrients, disease suppression and modulation of microbiome. ...
Article
Nanotechnology has enormous potential for sustainable agriculture, such as improving nutrient use efficiency, plant health, and food production. Nanoscale modulation of the plant-associated microbiota offers an additional valuable opportunity to increase global crop production and ensure future food and nutrient security. Nanomaterials (NMs) applied to agricultural crops can impact plant and soil microbiota, which offers valuable services to host plants, including the acquisition of nutrients, abiotic stress tolerance, and disease suppression. Dissecting the complex interactions between NMs and plants by integrating multi-omic approaches is providing new insights into how NMs can activate host responses and functionality as well as influence native microbial communities. Such nexus and moving beyond descriptive microbiome studies to hypothesis-driven research will foster microbiome engineering and open up opportunities for the development of synthetic microbial communities to provide agronomic solutions. Herein, we first summarize the significant role of NMs and the plant microbiome in crop productivity and then focus on NMs effects on plant-associated microbiota. We outline three urgent priority research areas and call for a transdisciplinary collaborative approach, involving plant scientists, soil scientists, environmental scientists, ecologists, microbiologists, taxonomists, chemists, physicists, and stakeholders, to advance nano-microbiome research. Detailed understanding of the nanomaterial-plant-microbiome interactions and the mechanisms underlying NMs-mediated shifts in the microbiome assembly and functions may help to exploit the services of both nano-objects and microbiota for next-generation crop health.
... The size and morphology of synthesized NPs were captured using a particle size analyzer (Malvern ZetasizerVer 6.01), scanning electron microscope (SEM) with EDAX (SemFei Quanta 250), transmission electron microscope (TEM) (Tem FeiTechnai Sprit) as per the published protocols (Shakoor et al., 2022). The chemical structure, phase and molecular interaction of synthesized NPs were studied through Raman spectroscopy (Raman Systems Model-R-3000-QE). ...
Article
In the present study, the impact of four metal/metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) viz.Ag, ZnO),ZVI and TiO2 on physiological seed quality attributes of green gram (Vigna radiata) were evaluated. The synthesized NPs characterized and evaluated the germination percentage, vigour indices and physiological responses like catalase and peroxidase activities (seed quality parameters) of fresh, naturally aged and fresh accelerated aged seed lots of green gram. In naturally aged seeds, zinc oxide-NPs (1000 mg kg-1) treated seeds showed 14.96% higher germination percentage, 24.81% higher vigour index I and (3696) and 33.33% higher vigour index II than the controls. The treated seeds with ZnO-NPs (1000 mg kg-1) under fresh accelerated aged conditions resulted in higher than 15.15% of germination percentage, 23.61% of vigour index I and 24.11% of vigour index II over controls. Moreover, ZnO-NPs treated naturally aged seeds showed lower electrical conductivity (EC) of 20.10 μ S cm-1g-1 than the control (26.60 μ S cm-1 g-1). Pertinent to catalase enzyme activity, ZnO-NPs (1000 mg kg-1) treated naturally aged seed lots resulted in 356.89 μmol H2O2 mg-1 min-1 activity, 216.05 μmol H2O2 mg-1 min-1 activity in fresh accelerated aged seed lots.. Similarly, ZnO-NPs (1000 mg kg-1) enhanced peroxidase enzyme activity in naturally aged seed lots (3.21 μg/FW/10 min) than control (0.72 μg/FW/10 min) that depicts 63.35% of increased enzyme activity. The present results showcases the ZnO-NPs as potent nano-priming agents in maintaining the seed quality parameters that ultimately establish better crop stand and field performance.
... In the study of (Prasad and Jha, 2009), even a small dose of GNPs greatly impacted the growth and production rate of peanut seeds. The particle size, distribution, chemical content, surface properties, and NP application level have all been found to affect plant germination growth (Noman et al., 2022;Xiang et al., 2015;Zafar et al., 2016;Jhansi et al., 2017). ...
Article
Chromium (Cr) is a hazardous metal that has a significant risk of transfer from soil to edible parts of food crops, including shoot tissues. Reduction of Cr accumulation is required to lower the risk of Cr-exposed in humans and animals feeding on metal-contaminated parts of such plant. Zea mays is a global staple crop irrigated intensively with Cr-contaminated water. Consequently, the objective of this study was to investigate that FI-stabilized ZnO NPs could be used as an eco-friendly and efficient amendment to reduced Cr uptake and toxicity in Zea mays. To investigate the growth parameters, physiological, oxidative stress and biochemical parameters under different Cr-VI concentrations (10.0, 15.0, and 20.0 ppm). Cr exposed Z. mays plants exhibited substantially reduced plant biomass, chlorophyll contents, and altered antioxidant enzyme activity compared to untreated control. The results revealed that foliar application of Fagonia-ZnO-NPs helps eliminate the harmful effects of Cr (VI), which can enter plants through soil pollution. Increased levels of proline, soluble sugars and various antioxidant enzymes reflected this. Mean comparisons showed that Cr stress led to a 33–50% reduction in fresh shoot weight, 73–170% in fresh root weight, 16–34% shoot length, 9.5–129% root length, Chlorophyll contents 20–33% (Chl a), 18–27% (Chl b) and 17–27% (car), 14–33% total soluble sugars, 54–170% proline content, 7–7.5% POD, 0.66–75% CAT and 32–77% APX enzyme activities compared to untreated plants. Application of FI-stabilized ZnO NPs led to an increase 21–77% in fresh shoot weight, 22–45%, fresh root weight, 3–35% shoot length, 24–154% root length, Chlorophyll contents 39–60% (Chl a), 15–79% (Chl b) and 28–82% (car), 19–52% total soluble sugars, 21–55% proline content, 14–43% POD, 34–95% CAT and 130–186% APX enzyme activities under 10, 15 and 20 ppm Cr stress respectively, compared to Cr-treated plants. However, the principal component analysis revealed that chlorophyll contents, carotenoid, CAT, APX and length were in the same group and showed a positive correlation. These data collectively suggest that phytostabilized zinc oxide NPs may be an eco-friendly solution to mitigate Cr toxicity in agricultural soils and crop plants.
... Among them, nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely used in recent decades due to their unique chemical and physical properties (Ali et al., 2021;Mansoor et al., 2022;. Compared with traditional materials, NPs exhibit greater adsorption capacity, and catalytic and magnetic properties Shakoor et al., 2022). A recent report has revealed that the interaction between Cd and NPs and may alter the absorption, transfer and accumulation of Cd in rice . ...
Article
Rice is known to accumulate cadmium (Cd) in its grains, causing a severe threat to billions of people worldwide. The possible phytotoxicity and mechanism of 50-200 mg/L hydroxyapatite NPs (nHA), iron oxide NPs (nFe2O3) or nano zero valent iron (nZVI) co-exposed with Cd (100 μM) in rice seedlings were investigated. Three types of nanoparticles significantly reduced the bioaccumulation of Cd in rice shoots by 16-63%, with nZVI showing the greatest effect, followed by nHA and nFe2O3. A decrease in Cd content in the roots was observed only in the nZVI treatment, with values ranging from 8 to 19%. Correspondingly, nZVI showed the best results in promoting plant growth, increasing rice plant height, shoot and root biomass by 13%, 29% and 42%. In vitro studies showed that nZVI reduced the content of Cd in the solution by 20-52% through adsorption, which might have contributed to the immobilization of Cd in root. Importantly, the nZVI treatment resulted in 267% more iron plaques on the root surface, which acted as a barrier to hinder the entry of Cd. Moreover, all three nanoparticles significantly reduced the oxidative stress induced by Cd by regulating phytohormones, phytochelatin, inorganic homeostasis and the expression of genes associated with Cd uptake and transport. Overall, this study elucidates for the first time the multiple complementing mechanisms for some nanoparticles to reduce Cd uptake and transport in rice and provides theoretical basis for applying nanoparticles for reducing Cd accumulation in edible plants.
... The more thorough investigation has also inadvertently assisted in the understanding of NMs' effects on plant physiology (Faizan et al., 2021;Iannone et al., 2014;Juarez-Maldonado, 2022;Juárez-Maldonado, 2022). It has been demonstrated that NMs can encourage plant development and enhance the condition of plants' growth Farooq et al., 2021;Pang et al., 2021;Shakoor et al., 2022;Wang et al., 2020). However, NMs are like two sides of the same coin, and some studies have pointed out that NMs may have adverse effects on plants under certain conditions (Bai et al., 2021;Guo et al., 2022;Wang et al., 2019). ...
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As the climate worsens and the demand for food grows, so does the interest in nanoagriculture. The interaction between plants and nanomaterials (NMs) has been extensively and intensively examined. However, stopping at the outcome of a phenomenon is often insufficient. Therefore, we introduce three important processes of nanoparticle-plant interactions: translocation, transformation, and plant metabolism. During the migration of nanoparticles, size and surface electrical properties are the main determining factors. Additionally, the interaction of nanoparticles with cell membranes is another key aspect of research. The transformation of nanoparticles in plants is mainly due to redox substances. The way that nanoparticles affect plant metabolism may be able to shed light on the interaction of nanoparticles with plants. This review adds to the existing knowledge on the design of nanoagrochemicals and summarizes the mechanism of interaction of NMs with plants. In this way, NMs can be used for their beneficial effects and thus contribute to the maintenance of food security and sustainable development.
... In another study, cherry radish was exposed to Fe nanoparticles such (Shakoor et al., 2022). The foliar application of ZnO or ZnSO 4 was studied as a fertilizer to increase zinc content in wheat grain . ...
Article
The rapid population growth and environmental challenges in agriculture need innovative and sustainable solutions to meet the growing need for food worldwide. Recent nanotechnological advances found its broad applicability in agriculture's protection and post-harvesting. Engineered nanomaterials play a vital role in plant regulation, seed germination, and genetic manipulation. Their size, surface morphology, properties, and composition were designed for controlled release and enhanced properties in agriculture and the food industry. Nanoparticles can potentially be applied for the targeted and controlled delivery of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, plant growth regulators, etc. This help to eliminate the use of chemical-based pesticides and their water solubility, protect agrochemicals from breakdown and degradation, improve soil health, and naturally control crop pathogens, weeds, and insects, ultimately leading to enhanced crop growth and production capacity in the food industry. They can be effectively utilized for nano-encapsulation, seed germination, genetic manipulation, etc., for protecting plants and improving crop productivity, safe and improved food quality, and monitoring climate conditions. Nanoparticles played a crucial role in the uptake and translocation processes, genetically modifying the crops, high seed germination, and productivity. In this article, we have reviewed some important applications of nanoparticles for sustainable agro-food systems. The need and role of nanotechnology concerning challenges and problems faced by agriculture and the food industry are critically discussed, along with the limitations and future prospects of nanoparticles.
... The occurrence of high concentrations of Cd in soil could negatively affect plants' mineral contents due to restrictions in root uptake of essential minerals, partly resulting from competitive absorption between Cd and essential minerals in soil (Rizwan et al. 2016;Ertani et al., 2017). In this study, Cd toxicity affected the homeostasis of elements in fruits of okra plants (Table 2 and Fig. S1) which are essential elements for metabolism in plants, and enzyme catalyst-activators for redox processes (Shakoor et al., 2022). There was no apparent effect of soil Cd on okra fruit Na contents while Ca increased 1.3-fold. ...
Article
Foliar application of nanoparticles (NPs) as an application for abiotic stress is increasingly employed in crop production. In this study, the potential of CeO2-NPs as stress suppressants was investigated on cadmium (Cd)-stressed okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) plants using two cycles of foliar application of CeO2-NPs at 200, 400, and 600 mg/l. Compared to untreated stressed plants, Cd-stressed treated-plants with CeO2-NPs presented higher pigments (chlorophyll. a and carotenoids). In contrast, foliar applications did not alter Cd’s root uptake and leaf bioaccumulation. Foliar CeO2-NPs application modulated stress enzymes (APX, SOD, and GPx) in both roots and leaves of Cd-stressed plants, and led to decreases in Cd toxicity in plant’s tissues. Foliar application of CeO2-NPs in Cd-stressed okra plants decreased fruit Cd contents, and improved fruit mineral elements and bioactive compounds. The infrared spectroscopic analysis of fruit tissues showed that foliar-applied CeO2-NPs treatments did not induce chemical changes but induced conformational changes in fruit macromolecules. Additionally, CeO2-NPs applications did not alter the eating quality indicator (Mg/K ratio) of okra fruits. Conclusively, the present study demonstrated that foliar application of CeO2-NPs has the potential to ameliorate Cd toxicity in tissues and improve fruits of okra plants.
... When applied, IONPs have shown positive impact on yield and nutritional quality of food crops for example, cherry radish, legumes, fenugreek, strawberry, corn, tomato, rapeseed, wheat, rice and sorghum (Shakoor et al., 2022;Abbas and Abdulhussein, 2021;Sadak, 2019;Noshad et al., 2019;Al-Shabib et al., 2018;Gupta et al., 2018;Mahawar et al., 2018;Iannone et al., 2021). Ahmed et al. (2021) in a study observed variable effect of a free-living, N 2 -fixing, and NP tolerant Azotobacter salinestris (strain ASM) and 20-2000 mg kg − 1 of each metal oxide NPs, ZnO, CuO, Al 2 O 3, and TiO 2 on tomato plants. ...
Article
The iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) prepared by green synthesis method using Syzigium cumini leaf extract was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The XRD confirmed the crystalline structure of green synthesized NPs measuring around 33 nm while SEM revealed its nearly spherical shape. Rhizobium species recovered from greengram nodules, identified by 16s rRNA gene sequencing as Rhizobium pusense produced 30% more exopolysaccharides (EPS) in basal medium treated with 1000 μg IONPs/ml. Compositional variation in EPS was observed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). There was no reduction in rhizobial viability and no damage to bacterial membrane was observed under SEM and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), respectively. Effects of IONPs and R. pusense, used alone and in combination on the growth and development of greengram plants varied considerably. Plants grown with IONPs and R. pusence, used alone and in combination, showed a significant increase in seed germination rate, length and dry biomass of plant organs and seed components compared to controls. The IONPs in the presence of rhizobial strain further increased seed germination, plant growth, seed protein and pigments. Greater protein content (442 mg/g) was observed in seeds at 250 mg/kg of IONPs compared to control. Plants raised with mixture of IONPs plus R. pusense had maximum chlorophyll content (39.2 mg/g FW) while proline content decreased by 53% relative to controls. This study confirms that the green synthesis of IONPs from S. cumini leaf possess useful plant growth promoting effects and could be developed as a nano-biofertilizer for optimizing legume production.
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The application of phyto-nanotechnology in horticulture is a sustainable tool for agriculture due to its cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly properties. Essential micro-elements have been used as nano-fertilizer to enhance crop production. Fine-tuning of the nanoparticle dose is also recognized as the critical factor determining their impact on plant growth. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) oxide nanoparticles (NPs) on potato plants physiological and biochemical changes under the hydroponic conditions. Observations revealed that the plant growing in the adapted hydroponics media (supplemented with 4.0 mg L− 1 Fe3O4 NPs and 1.0 mg L− 1 MnO2 NPs instead of original Fe and Mn salt respectively) improved various physiological and biochemical parameters, total biomass, and tuber yield compared to the untreated control. The growth-promoting impact of metal oxide NPs (hereafter refers as MONPs) simultaneously induced the activity of various antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, POD) and contributed to the adequate reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content relative to the untreated control plants. This indicated that the application of MONPs could improve the potato yield per plant via modulating the plant antioxidant machinery. In addition, the application of MONPs as nano-nutrient appreciably improved the photosynthetic efficiency of plants via modulating the photosynthetic pigment content like Chl a, Chl b, total Chl, ratio Chl a/b, carotenoids as well as soluble sugar. The SEM-EDX elemental mapping also showed a slightly higher content of metals ions (Fe, Mn, and Ca) in the root and shoot tissues, however, the TEM analysis also confirmed absorption as well as transportation of MONPs in the root tissues growing in the presence of MONPs. This study opened the opportunity of utilizing MONPs as nano-nutrient in a hydroponic condition for development of pathogen-free potato tuber.
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Due to the positive link between the application of nanoparticles (NPs) and the improved nutritional status/value of the plants exposed to them, nanomaterials have recently attracted rising interest in the field of agriculture. Numerous NPs, including carbon-based NPs, silica NPs, etc., have been discovered to positively affect plants by raising their ratio of nutrient uptake and nutrient utilization efficiency, amongst other things. All of these qualities have opened the door for potential improvements in plant development, vigor, growth, etc. when these NPs are used primarily as Nano fertilizers. In light of all of this, it is also possible to draw the conclusion that nanotechnology holds great promise for playing a significant role in the international situation of growing demand for the production of food as well as supply in the years to come. In order to give researchers working in this field a thorough understanding, an effort has been made to compile all the encouraging developments about the application of various NPs on plants, together with their likely mode of action, in this review.
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Lithium’s (Li) ubiquitous distribution in the environment is a rising concern due to its rapid proliferation in the modern electronic industry. Li enigmatic entry into the terrestrial food chain raises many questions and uncertainties that may pose a grave threat to living biota. We examined the leverage existing published articles regarding advances in global Li resources, interplay with plants, and possible involvement with living organisms, especially humans and animals. Globally, Li concentration (<10–300 mg kg−1) is detected in agricultural soil, and their pollutant levels vary with space and time. High mobility of Li results in higher accumulation in plants, but the clear mechanisms and specific functions remain unknown. Our assessment reveals the causal relationship between Li level and biota health. For example, lower Li intake (<0.6 mM in serum) leads to mental disorders, while higher intake (>1.5 mM in serum) induces thyroid, stomach, kidney, and reproductive system dysfunctions in humans and animals. However, there is a serious knowledge gap regarding Li regulatory standards in environmental compartments, and mechanistic approaches to unveil its consequences are needed. Furthermore, aggressive efforts are required to define optimum levels of Li for the normal functioning of animals, plants, and humans. This review is designed to revitalize the current status of Li research and identify the key knowledge gaps to fight back against the mountainous challenges of Li during the recent digital revolution. Additionally, we propose pathways to overcome Li problems and develop a strategy for effective, safe, and acceptable applications.
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Background Using of nanoparticles in various aspects of life including agriculture, medicine and industry is very crucial. One of the important source for Fe nutrition in plants is Iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 NPs) due to its efficiency in releasing under different pH range. Thus, in the Model Farm of National Research Centre Egypt at El Tour South Sinai, a field experiment was carried out, to study the effect of different concentration of Fe 3 O 4 NPs (0, 20, 40, 60 ppm) on the physiological parameters and the nutritive value of Moringa under saline condition. Results The obtained results indicate that foliar spraying of Fe 3 O 4 NPs significantly promote growth (plant height, branches leaves number per plant, leaf area, stem diameter and biomass). Foliar treatment also increased photosynthetic pigments ( chlo .a, chlo b, chlo a/b and carotenoids) and indole acetic acid (IAA) contents comparing with control. Hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation contents of Moringa oleifera leaves were decreased significantly as compared with control plant. The maximum activities of antioxidant enzymes Peroxidase (POX), poly phenol oxidase (PPO), super oxide dismutase (SOD) and nitrate reductase (NR) were observed in plants treated with 40 ppm. Different concentrations of Fe 3 O 4 NPs increased significantly crude protein, crude fiber and ash percentages as well as, some nutrient contents of moringa leaves (N, P, K and K/Na) compared with untreated control plants, meanwhile decreased Na contents. Conclusion Treatment of Moringa oleifera plant with Fe 3 O 4 NPs at different concentrations greatly decrease the harmful effect of salinity on growth by its promotive role on different studied biochemical and physiological aspects.
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About 45% of the world's fruit and vegetables are wasted, resulting in postharvest losses and contributing to economic losses ranging from 10billionto10 billion to 100 billion worldwide. Soft rot disease caused by Rhizopus stolonifer leads to postharvest storage losses of sweet potatoes. Nanoscience stands as a new tool in our arsenal against these mounting challenges that will restrict efforts to achieve and maintain global food security. In this study, three nanomaterials (NMs) namely C60, CuO, and TiO2 were evaluated for their potential application in the restriction of Rhizopus soft rot disease in two cultivars of sweet potato (Y25, J26). CuO NM exhibited a better antifungal effect than C60 and TiO2 NMs. The contents of three important hormones, indolepropionic acid (IPA), gibberellic acid 3 (GA-3), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in the infected J26 sweet potato treated with 50 mg/L CuO NM were significantly higher than those of the control by 14.5%, 10.8%, and 24.1%. CuO and C60 NMs promoted antioxidants in both cultivars of sweet potato. Overall, CuO NM at 50 mg/L exhibited the best antifungal properties, followed by TiO2 NM and C60 NM, and these results were further confirmed through scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The use of CuO NMs as an antifungal agent in the prevention of Rhizopus stolonifer infections in sweet potatoes could greatly reduce postharvest storage and delivery losses.
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Micronutrients deficiency in soil–plant and human is well-addressed; however, little is known about their spatial distribution, magnitude of deficiency and biological nexus. Zinc deficiency (ZnD) and iron-deficiency anemia (FeD) are two serious nutritional concerns which are negatively affecting human health. Herein, a survey-based case study was conducted in major wheat-based cropping system of east-central Pakistan. Soil and grain samples were collected from 125 field-grown wheat from 25 distinct sites/villages and GPS coordinates were taken for mapping. The collected samples were tags according to the names of 25 sites, i.e., UCs (union councils; an administrative unit). The quantified amount of zinc (Zn) or iron (Fe) in soil-wheat grains was compared with their recommended concentrations (RCZn, RCFe) for human nutrition. Additionally, clinical features of ZnD and FeD were diagnosed among local farmers who used to consume these grains, throughout the year, cultivated on their farm, and quantified their deficiency prevalence (ZnDP, FeDP). Results revealed, the collected 64% (0.54 to 5.25 mg kg−1) soils, and 96% (1.4 to 31 mg kg−1) grain samples are Zn-deficient (RCZn) along with ZnDP recorded among 68% of population. Meanwhile, FeD is quantified in 76% (1.86 to 15 mg kg−1) soil, 72% grain (2.1 to 134 mg kg−1) samples, and FeDP is found among 84% of studied population. A strong and positive correlation is developed in the Zn-or FeDP with their deficiencies in soil and grain by plotting multivariate analysis. In line with spatial distribution pattern, the UCs, namely, 141, 151, 159 and 132 are quantified severe deficient in Zn and Fe, and others are marginal or approaching to deficient level. Our findings rationalize the biological nexus of Zn and Fe, and accordingly, draw attention in the biofortification of staple crop as a win–win approach to combat the rising malnutrition concerns.
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With the rapid advancement in the applications of nanotechnology in plant sciences and agricultural biotechnology, the potential effects of the nanoparticles (NPs) on the secondary metabolism and development of plants have drawn considerable attention. This chapter focuses on the comparative influences of chemically and biologically prepared NPs on the plant growth and production of metabolic content. Both the enhancive and inhibitive effects exhibited by various NPs have been documented in this chapter. In addition, the preparation of biosynthesized NPs, plant-NPs interactions, and defensive mechanisms have been discussed. It further elicits new ideas and directions to gain better understanding of the mode of action of the NPs in plants.
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Novel versatile nanomaterials may facilitate strategies for simultaneous soil remediation and agricultural production, but a thorough and mechanistic assessment of efficacy and safety is needed. We have established a new soil remediation strategy using nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) coupled with safe rice production in paddy soil contaminated with pentachlorophenol (PCP). In comparison with rice cultivation in contaminated soil with 100 mg PCP per kg soil but without nZVI, the addition of 100 mg nZVI per kg soil increased grain yield by 47.1–55.0%, decreased grain PCP content by 83.6–86.2% and increased the soil PCP removal rate from 49.9 to 83.9–89.0%. The specific role of nZVI-derived root iron plaque formation in the safe production of rice has been elucidated, and the synergistic effect of nZVI treatment and rice cultivation identified in the nZVI-facilitated rhizosphere microbial degradation of PCP. This work opens a new strategy for the application of nanomaterials in soil remediation that could simultaneously enable safe crop production in contaminated lands.
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Phytoviruses are highly destructive plant pathogens, causing significant agricultural losses due to their genomic diversity, rapid and dynamic evolution, and the general inadequacy of management options. Although an increasing number of studies are being published demonstrating the efficacy of engineered nanomaterials to treat a range of plant pathogens, very little work has been done with phytoviruses. Herein, we describe the emerging field of “Nanophytovirology” as a potential management approach to combat plant viral diseases. Owing to their special physiochemical properties, nanoparticles (NPs) can interact with viruses, their vectors, and the host plants in a variety of specific and useful ways. We specifically describe the potential mechanisms underlying NPs-plant-virus interactions and explore the antiviral role of NPs. We discuss the limited literature, as well as the challenges and research gaps that are instrumental to the successful development of a nanotechnology-based, multidisciplinary approach for timely detection, treatment, and prevention of viral diseases.
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Fe-based nanoparticles (Fe-based NPs) have great potential as a substitute for traditional Fe-fertilizer; however, their environmental risk and impact on plant growth are not fully understood. In this study, we compared the physiological impacts of three different Fe-based NP formulations: zero-valent iron (ZVI), Fe3O4 and Fe2O3 NPs, on hydroponic rice after root exposure for 2 weeks. Fe-normal (Fe(+)) and Fe-deficiency (Fe(-)) conditions were compared. Results showed that low dose (50 mg L-1) of ZVI and Fe3O4 NPs improved the rice growth under Fe(-) condition, while Fe2O3 NPs did not improve plant growth and caused phytotoxicity at high concentration (500 mg L-1). Under Fe(+) conditions, none of the Fe-based NPs exhibited positive effects on the rice plants with plant growth actually being inhibited at 500 mg L-1 evidenced by reduced root volume and leaf biomass and enhanced oxidative stress in plant. Under Fe(-) condition, low dose (50 mg L-1) of ZVI NPs and Fe3O4 NPs increased the chlorophyll content by 30.7% and 26.9%, respectively. They also alleviated plant stress demonstrated by the reduced oxidative stress and decreased concentrations of stress related phytohormones such as gibberellin and indole-3-acetic acid. Low dose of ZVI and Fe3O4 NPs treatments resulted in higher Fe accumulation in plants compared to Fe2O3 NPs treatment, by down-regulating the expression of IRT1 and YSL15. This study provides significant insights into the physiological impacts of Fe-based NPs in rice plants and their potential application in agriculture. ZVI and Fe3O4 NPs can be used as Fe-fertilizers to improve rice growth under Fe-deficient condition, which exist in many rice-growing regions of the world. However, dose should be carefully chosen as high dose (500 mg L-1 in this study) of the Fe-based NPs can impair rice growth.
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Nanoparticles (NPs) application in soil as nano-fertilizers to increase crop yield is getting attention due to their higher efficiency and less environmental risks. This study investigated the interactive effects of variable titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) levels (0, 30, 50 and 100 mg kg-127 ) superimposed to phosphorus (P) fertilizer application in soil at the rates of 0, 25 and 50 mg kg-1 28 on wheat crop. Physiological parameters of plants, their antioxidant enzymes activities (SOD, POD), and contents of crude protein, H2O2, MDA and metals / nutrients (Al, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu) were measured. Data on physiological traits revealed that application of 50 mg kg-1 31 of TiO2-NPs without P fertilizer significantly enhanced the root and shoot length by 32 and 26%, respectively. Increased contents of nutrients in the shoots, viz., Ca (316%), Cu (296%), Al (171%) and Mg (187%) with 50 mg kg-1 33 TiO2-NPs treatment reflected improvement in crop growth and grain quality. Furthermore, P contents in plant tissues were raised up to 56% with 50 mg kg-1 35 of TiO2-NPs even in the absence of P fertilizer. In the soil, concentration of phytoavailable P was significantly increased up to 63.3% in the presence of 50 mg kg-1 36 TiO2-NPs as compared to control. Contents of crude protein in grain were also enhanced by 22.8% (at P50) and 17.4% (at P25) with 50 mg kg-1 38 TiO2-NPs application. Along with P application, TiO2-NPs triggered the activities of SOD (2.06-33.97%) and POD (up to 13.19%), and H2O2 production (50.6-138.8%). However, MDA contents were not elevated significantly at any level of TiO2-NPs, and remained at par with control. It was noteworthy that highest level of TiO2-NPs, viz., 100 mg kg-1 exhibited plant and nutrients response lower than that with 50 mg kg-142 . Further, TiO2-NPs triggered the bioavailability of micronutrient heavy metals (Zn, Cu and Fe) and Al, which could have toxicity at higher concentrations. These results suggested that TiO2-NPs might have some affinities with phosphate compounds and metal ions in the soil to bring them in soluble form, which enhanced their bioavailability. Although it improved the crop yield and quality, but toxic or negative impact of TiO2-NPs was also apparent at higher dose. Therefore, investigations on the potential interactions of NPs with other nutrients and toxic metals are needed to enhance our understanding for the safer application of nano-fertilizer.
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Current agricultural practices, developed during the green revolution, are becoming unsustainable, especially in the face of climate change and growing populations. Nanotechnology will be an important driver for the impending agri-tech revolution that promises a more sustainable, efficient and resilient agricultural system, while promoting food security. Here, we present the most promising new opportunities and approaches for the application of nanotechnology to improve the use efficiency of necessary inputs (light, water, soil) for crop agriculture, and for better managing biotic and abiotic stress. Potential development and implementation barriers are discussed, emphasizing the need for a systems approach to designing proposed nanotechnologies.