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]

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]