Search

The application profile of nanotechnology is increasing due to its influential effects on the environment. Recently, this field has gained tremendous magnitude in the agriculture sector as a potential improving agent for plant growth, slow-release fertilizer, and targeted delivery of agrochemicals for sustainable crop productions. A study was designed with the aim to explore the potential effects of nanoparticles mixed with organic chemicals on the growth and physiochemical properties of wheat. Synthesized silver NPs and iron NPs were characterized through SEM and a particle analyzer, which confirmed the fine particles of a size < 20 nm. The application of chemo-blended NPs enhanced plant height, shoot and root biomass and leaf area. Chlorophyll (a, b) and total chlorophyll contents were promoted with an application of blended NPs. Chemo-blended nanoparticles promoted total soluble sugars, total free amino acid contents and total protein contents of wheat. Antioxidant enzyme activities, such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase were significantly promoted with blended NPs. Yield related attributes were also promoted in response to nanoparticles blended with organic chemicals. These results suggest that the application of chemo-blended NPs may increase plant growth and development through the improvement of the physiochemical properties of wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Criteria used for evaluating drought tolerance of wheat cultivars demanding more time and efforts are usually not efficient and conclusive. Present study was conducted to evaluate ABA sensitivity as a criterion for evaluating drought tolerance of wheat cultivars at an early stage. Ten cultivars of wheat were subjected to drought at 3-leaf stage to select the most sensitive and two tolerant cultivars using mortality rate. Tatara was found the most susceptible whereas GA-2002 and Chakwal-50 were the cultivars with maximum drought tolerance. These cultivars were used to study sensitivity to applied absicic acid (based on germination index and relative growth inhibition rate) and physiological responses (leaf water content, chlorophyll stability index, coefficient of relative inhibition and proline accumulation) under drought stress. Highest ABA-sensitivity was recorded in GA-2002 and Chakwal-50 whereas Tatara manifested minimum sensitivity. ABA-sensitivity corresponded to physiological indices of drought tolerance. Results show that ABA-sensitivity is an efficient criterion that can be used to evaluate drought tolerance of wheat cultivars at early stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Aims and methods Results Conclusions The application of nanoparticles (NPs) in horticultural crops is in a tremendous increase. NPs help in the overcoming of stresses with positive impacts on plant growth and development. Silver NPs (AgNPs) have numerous pre‐ and postharvest applications in agriculture.This study aimed to evaluate the effect of AgNPs application (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 ppm) at three spray intervals (5, 10, and 15 days) on the morphological and compositional traits, and defense system of strawberry.Results showed that AgNPs application enhanced the growth, yield, quality, and nutritional aspects of strawberry grown under field conditions. Shoot fresh weight (20.20 g) and leaf number/plant (41.53) were enhanced at 100 ppm AgNPs and 15 days interval. A stunted growth of strawberry plants was recorded at 200 ppm AgNPs. Moreover, a 15‐day‐spray interval was found optimum for the improvement of major morphological traits. Fruit size, yield, total soluble solids, acidity, and antioxidant capacity were improved at 50 and 100 ppm AgNPs. The activation of plant defense system, that is, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, total soluble protein, and ascorbic acid was improved under AgNPs foliar application. The activation of stress indicating marker malondialdehyde outlined a high defense response of strawberry at 150 ppm AgNPs.Conclusively, AgNPs application at 50, 100, and 150 ppm can be considered effective for sustainable strawberry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of nanotechnology is crucial for a sustainable increase in food production to cope with the increasing food demand of the burgeoning population. Wheat production has to increase significantly for food security in Pakistan with the help of nanotechnology. In biological systems, utilization of nanoparticles has been increased due to their growth-promoting effects on germination, photosynthetic attributes, nutrient use efficiency and metabolic activities. An experiment was conducted with the objective to establish a relationship between growth parameters and antioxidant enzyme activity in response to silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs). Application of Ag (20 mg/L) and Au NPs (10 mg/L) significantly enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activities of ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and guaiacol peroxidase. Consequently, growth parameters: fresh and dry biomass, leaf area, chlorophyll (a, b) and total chlorophyll contents, also increased significantly. These results suggest that application of Ag and Au NPs has the potential to promote wheat growth through enhancing the antioxidant enzyme activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production and utilization of nanoparticles (NPs) are increasing due to their positive and stimulating effects on biological systems. Silver (Ag) NPs improve seed germination, photosynthetic efficiency, plant growth, and antimicrobial activities. In this study, the effects of chemo-blended Ag NPs on wheat were investigated using the gel-free/label-free proteomic technique. Morphological analysis revealed that chemo-blended Ag NPs resulted in the increase of shoot length, shoot fresh weight, root length, and root fresh weight. Proteomic analysis indicated that proteins related to photosynthesis and protein synthesis were increased, while glycolysis, signaling, and cell wall related proteins were decreased. Proteins related to redox and mitochondrial electron transport chain were also decreased. Glycolysis associated proteins such as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase increased as well as decreased, while phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylase was decreased. Antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase were promoted in response to the chemo-blended Ag NPs. These results suggested that chemo-blended Ag NPs promoted plant growth and development through regulation of energy metabolism by suppression of glycolysis. Number of grains/spike, 100-grains weight, and yield of wheat were stimulated with chemo-blended Ag NPs. Morphological study of next generational wheat plants depicted normal growth, and no toxic effects were observed. Therefore, morphological, proteomic, yield, and next generation results revealed that chemo-blended Ag NPs may promote plant growth and development through alteration in plant metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]