Abstract
Nanoformulations of plant micronutrients can improve nutrient use efficiency and availability in plants compared to conventional fertilizers and, therefore, may prove helpful in addressing the widespread challenge of nutrient deficiency in agricultural soils. In this study, iron-oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) were bio-synthesized using Aspergillus terreus cell-free extract and tested for bio-efficacy in rice (Oryza sativa L., ssp. japonica, T309) in situ. Physicochemical characteristics of biosynthesized FeONPs (B-FeONPs) were analyzed through UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). Bio-efficacy was tested at both environmentally relevant concentrations (0-50 mg.kg−1) as well as supra-environmental concentrations (100 mg.kg−1). Germination, wet and dry biomass, root length, shoot length, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, and iron fortification in rice plants were evaluated under greenhouse conditions. Potential eco-toxic effects of B-FeONPs were investigated in multiple strains of plant growth-promoting (PGP) bacteria. A significant increment in plant growth parameters (p < 0.05), including wet biomass, dry biomass, root length, and chlorophyll and carotenoid content was observed in B-FeONPs treated rice plants as compared to those treated with bulk Fe-fertilizer FeSO4. B-FeONPs caused no oxidative stress and increased the % Fe content in the plants. Uptake and accumulation of the B-FeONPs were also confirmed in the roots and leaves of plants using TEM. The B-FeONPs did not demonstrate bactericidal activity against any of the tested strains of PGP bacteria at both environmentally relevant and supra-environmental concentrations. In conclusion, the data demonstrate that B-FeONPs exhibit significant potential in enhancing nutrient use efficiency and promoting growth in rice plants. These findings underscore the potential of B-FeONPs as sustainable alternatives to conventional Fe fertilizers, offering sustainable solutions for addressing nutrient deficiencies in agricultural soils.
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