1. GROWTH AND YIELD RESPONSES OF SOYBEAN (Glycine max L.) TO ZINC OXIDE (ZnO) NANOPARTICLES FOLIAR APPLICATION.
- Author
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Michael, Fayomi Omotola, Olalekan, Olasan Joseph, Uzoma, Aguoru Celestine, and Sarah, Terhemba Mamnenge
- Subjects
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CROP yields , *SUSTAINABLE agriculture , *SUSTAINABILITY , *LEAF morphology , *AGRICULTURE - Abstract
Aim. This study was purposed to investigate the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the growth and yield performance of two soybean (Glycine max L.) varieties, TGX1904-6F and TGX1951-3F, under controlled experimental conditions. Materials and methods. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized following standard protocols, and their effects were evaluated across five treatment levels (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 ppm) in a completely randomized design with five replicates. Growth parameters, including plant height, leaf morphology, stem diameter, and branch number, were assessed alongside phenological and yield traits such as days to flowering, flower production, pod metrics, and seed weights. The results revealed significant improvements in plant growth and yield metrics at intermediate ZnO NP concentrations, with enhancements observed in plant height, branch number, pod weight, and seed yield. Specifically, 60 ppm ZnO NP treatment resulted in the highest branch production, while 40 and 80 ppm treatments significantly promoted floral and pod development. Conversely, higher concentrations (100 ppm) exhibited inhibitory effects on plant height and leaf morphology, suggesting potential toxicity at elevated ZnO NP levels. Statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation, confirmed significant treatment effects (P ≤ 0.05) on growth and yield parameters, highlighting the critical role of dose optimization. Conclusions. The findings underscore the potential of ZnO NPs as a novel agricultural supplement to enhance soybean productivity while emphasizing the need for balanced application to mitigate toxicity risks. This study contributes valuable insights into sustainable farming practices, leveraging nanotechnology to optimize crop performance and address global food security challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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