Effect of Foliar Application of Nano-Fertilizers ( Macro- and Micro) Nutrients on growth , Flowering and Bulbs Yield of Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus L.)

Essential plant nutrients encapsulated or combined with nano-dimensional adsorbents define nano fertilizers (NFs). Nanoformulation of non-essential elements enhancing plant growth and stress tolerance also comes under the umbrella of NFs. NFs have an edge over conventional chemical fertilizers, viz., higher plant biomass and yield using much lesser fertilization, thereby reducing environmental pollution. Foliar and root applications of NFs lead to their successful uptake by the plant, depending on the size, surface charge, and other physicochemical properties of NFs. Smaller NFs can pass through channels on the waxy cuticle depending on the hydrophobicity, while larger NFs pass through the stomatal conduits of leaves. Charge-based adsorption, followed by apoplastic movement and endocytosis, translocates NFs through the root, while the size of NFs influences passage into vascular tissues. Recent transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic studies throw light on the molecular mechanisms of growth promotion by NFs. The expression levels of nutrient transporter genes are regulated by NFs, controlling uptake and minimizing excess nutrient toxicity. Accelerated growth by NFs is brought about by their extensive regulation of cell division, photosynthesis, carbohydrate, and nitrogen metabolism, as well as the phytohormone-dependent signaling pathways related to development, stress response, and plant defense. NFs mimic Ca,2+ eliciting second messengers and associated proteins in signaling cascades, reaching transcription factors and finally orchestrating gene expression to enhance growth and stress tolerance. Developing advanced nano fertilizers of the future must involve exploring molecular interactions with plants to reduce toxicity and improve effectiveness.

Wheat cultivar response to chemical, bio, and nano fertilizer combinations and their effect on vegetative growth traits were investigated in a field experiment with three replicates arranged in a split-plot in The Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) at Al-Qasim Green University during the 2022-2023 growing season. The main plots consisted of three different types of wheat, while the sub plots tested various fertilizer mixes. Wheat cultivars and fertilizer combinations both had a substantial effect on the attributes we measured, and there was also a significant interaction between the two, as shown in the analysis of variance table. The averages of wheat cultivars show that IPA 99 is superior to the other two cultivars by providing the tallest plants by an average of 104.21 cm, while Bohuth 22 provides the shortest times to 100% flowering (108.66 days) and physiological maturity (146.14 days). Baghdad variety yielded the highest mean The trait states that the flag leaf area is 42.94 cm2, the leaf chlorophyll concentration is 49.51 Spad, and there are 449.52 tillers per square meter. The average fertilizer combinations showed that plant height was best at 98.96 cm, flag leaf area at 44.47 cm2, leaf chlorophyll content at 50.08 Spad, and tiller density at 417.56 tillers m-2 with the fertilizer combination of 50% compound fertilizer + 50% bio-fertilizer + 50% nano-fertilizer. However, the optimal results were achieved using the specified fertilizer compound with nano fertilizer, which required only 109.88 days to achieve 100% blooming and 147.33 days to reach physiological maturity. With a mean flag leaf area of 47.73 cm2, the Baghdad cultivar emerged victorious in the study of cultivar by fertilizer combination interactions. When using a fertilizer mixture of 50% compound fertilizer, 50% bio-fertilizer, and 50% nano-fertilizer, the chlorophyll content of the leaves was 53.76 spad and the number of tillers was 470.67 strands m-2.

The study on the impact of nano and chemical fertilizers on cabbage was conducted at Dr. YSRHU -Citrus Research Station, Tirupati during Rabi season .The research investigated how different rates of NPK chemical fertilizers, along with nano-urea and nano DAP applied via., foliar sprays and seedling dips, affect cabbage yield and quality.Key findings include, nano fertilizers significantly improved various aspects such as head circumference, volume, fresh weight, dry matter, yield and ascorbic acid content after harvest.The best results for dry matter yield, head weight and overall yield were achieved with a combination of nano and chemical fertilizers (N 6 C 3 ).Among chemical fertilizers, 75% RDF (C 3 ) resulted in the best head circumference, volume, weight, dry matter, yield and ascorbic acid content.Nano nitrogen foliar spray at 20 and 40 days after transplanting (N 2 ) produced the largest head circumference, volume, fresh weight, dry matter, yield and ascorbic acid content.Overall, combining nano fertilizers with chemical fertilizers can significantly increase cabbage yield and enhance head quality.This approach offers a valuable method for optimizing vegetable production.

This research aims to find out the interaction effect of gibberellin and potassium fertilizer doses, to examine the effect potassium fertilizer doses on various gibberellin concentrations, gibberellin concentrations on various potassium fertilizer doses, and to find the main effect of gibberellin and potassium fertilizer which is better for growth and the production of shallot plant. The research was conducted at the UPT of the Faculty of Agriculture, Riau University, Pekanbaru, starting from December 2018 to February 2019. The method was experimentally arranged using the completely randomized block design. The main plot was the gibberellin concentrations (0, 100, 200 and 300) ppm. The sub plot was the dose of potassium fertilizer (100 and 200) kg of KCl ha-1. The parameter observed were plant height, total of leaves, diameter of bulbs, total bulbs per clump, fresh weight of bulbs per clump/plot, and dry weight of bulbs. The data were analyzed statistically with anova and Duncan test continued level of 5%. There was interaction effect of gibberellin and potassium fertilizer increased the fresh weight of bulbs. The treatment 100 kg of KCl ha-1 and 200 ppm of gibberellin increased the fresh weight and dry weight of bulbs. The treatment 200 kg of KCl ha-1 and 200 ppm of gibberellin was better to increase the total of leaves and diameter of bulbs. The treatment of gibberellin 200 ppm was better to increase the fresh weight and dry weight of bulbs. The treatment of 200 of KCl ha-1 increased the plant height and total of leaves.

A field experiment was conducted in the Research farm of the School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Punjab to find out the potential of foliar-applied nano fertilizer in improving the growth, yield and quality of Gobhi sarson (Brassica napus). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications. The experiment consisted of five treatments viz. T1: Control, T2: 50% RDF + Nano NPK (19:19:19) @ 0.2% as foliar spray at 30 DAS, T3: 75% RDF + Nano NPK (19:19:19) @ 0.2% as foliar spray at 30 DAS, T4: 100% RDF + Nano NPK (19:19:19) @ 0.2% as foliar spray at 30 DAS and T5: 125% RDF + Nano NPK (19:19:19) @ 0.2% as foliar spray at 30 DAS. The application of 100% RDF + Nano NPK (19:19:19) @ 0.2% as a foliar spray at 30 DAS (T4) recorded the highest plant height (184.75 cm), seed yield (22.80 q ha-1) and stover yield (49 q ha-1). More oil (43.32%) and protein (31.73%) content were also recorded in T4 as compared to other treatments. The overall results showed that foliar application of nano fertilizer in combination with conventional fertilizer significantly improved the growth, yield and quality of Gobhi sarson (Brassica napus).

Two field experiments were conducted on a clay soil at El-Gemmeiza Agricultural Research Station, , Egypt during growing 2015 and 2016 seasons, to find out the proper irrigation interval and the effect of Nano and natural materials in reducing the negative effect of water stress on cotton leaves chemical composition of the Egyptian cotton cultivar Giza 86 through study the effect of three Nano-materials treatments (without, 7.5g/L lithovit and 1 cm3/L amino mineral) and three natural materials treatments (without, 200 ppm salicylic acid and 5cm3/L humic acid) under three irrigation intervals (every14, 21 and 28 days) as well as their interactions. Each experiment contained three separate experiments represented the three irrigation intervals; i.e. every 14, 21 and 28 days. Also, the combined analysis between the three experiments was done. The two other factors distributed in each experiment in a strip plot design with four replicates, where the horizontal plots were assigned to the foliar of Nano-materials and the vertical plots contained natural materials treatments. Results showed that: The highest percentages of N, P and K in leaves were obtained from irrigation interval of 21 days followed by irrigation interval of 28 days. Also, irrigation intervals exhibited significant differences in leaves concentrations of photosynthetic pigments i.e. chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll, total carbohydrates and total sugars in both seasons and chlorophyll b and carotenoids in the 2nd season only, under irrigation interval of 21 days. The minimum values of leaves proline concentration, peroxidase and phenoloxidase activity in cotton leaves were obtained from irrigated every 21 days which induced favorable conditions and reduces water stress effect. Foliar CO2 as a Nano fertilizer (in the form of lithovit) three times at a rate of 7.5g/L significantly increased percentage of N, P and K in leaves and leaves concentrations of photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids, leaves total carbohydrates and total sugars contents in both seasons. Also, it significantly decreased leaves proline content, peroxidase and phenoloxidase activity which indicates favorable conditions and reduces water stress effect; however untreated plants recorded the highest values. Foliar feeding with 5 cm3/L humic acid three times significantly increased percentage of N, P and K in leaves, values of leaves concentrations of photosynthetic pigments i.e. chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids, total carbohydrates and total sugars followed by using salicylic acid as foliar spraying at a rate of 200 ppm and the least values were obtained from untreated plants (without natural materials application) in both seasons. In contrary, applying 5 cm3/L humic acid results recorded the lowest values of proline content, peroxidase and phenoloxidase activity in leaves in both seasons followed by applying salicylic acid at a rate of 200 ppm. Plants irrigated every 21 days which received CO2 as a Nano fertilizer at a rate of 7.5 g/L in combination with 5 cm3/L humic acid led to a significant increase in P, K, total sugars and total carbohydrates concentrations in leaves compared to the other interaction treatments; however, cotton plants irrigated every 14 days without application with Nano or natural treatments produced the lowest concentrations. Also, plants irrigated every 21 days which received CO2 as a Nano fertilizer at a rate of 7.5 g/L in combination with 5 cm3/L humic acid gave the lowest values of proline content, peroxidase and phenoloxidase activity in cotton leaves in the first season, which induced proper conditions for plant growth and reflect on reduce water stress effect. It could be concluding the irrigation cotton plants every 21 days in combination with foliar CO2 as a Nano fertilizer (in the form of lithovit) at a rate of 7.5g/L and foliar feeding spraying with 5 cm3/L humic acid three times (at the squaring stage, flowering initiation and at the top of flowering) to overcome the water shortage at the end of water sources (canals) as well as when water scarcity becomes wide spread, where this combination is the best treatment for good leaves chemical composition under the conditions of El-Gemmeiza location.

With their many benefits including better crop yield and nutrient delivery, nano fertilizers are a promising option in the agriculture sector. The production and formulation of nanoparticles with regulated size, shape, and content are required to prepare nano fertilizers. Metals, metal oxides, and polymers are among the materials from which nanoparticles are made using chemical and physical processes. Subsequently, these nanoparticles are mixed into fertilizers to enhance plant absorption and availability of nutrients. Nano-fertilizers have several benefits, including efficient nutrient absorption, reduced nutrient losses, minimized environmental pollution, optimized resource utilization, and controlled release of nutrients for sustained plant nourishment. Studies have demonstrated that by boosting nutrient availability, encouraging root development, and strengthening stress tolerance, nano fertilizers can greatly enhance crop yields. Moreover, it has been discovered that they increase microbial activity and soil fertility, which improves soil health and long-term sustainability. Nano-fertilizers can be applied in different ways, like foliar spraying, seed coating, soil integration, or irrigation systems. They are beneficial in precision agriculture for better nutrient management, soil restoration, and addressing nutrient deficiencies. Furthermore, they potentially lessen the negative environmental effects of traditional fertilization methods. Nevertheless, there are still several issues that need to be resolved before nano fertilizers may be commercialized and widely used. Regulatory frameworks, environmental destiny, potential toxicity of nanoparticles, and cost-effectiveness are some of these challenges. The purpose of this review is to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the benefits of nano fertilizers. It will cover topics such as their preparation and characterization, potential side effects, and a diverse range of applications. Additionally, it will present an overview of the importation of chemical fertilizers and explore the prospects of utilizing fertilizers in the Ethiopian context.

In India, fertilizer-related challenges such as imbalanced nutrient application, low nutrient use efficiency, and escalating fertilizer costs pose significant hurdles in sunflower production. To address these challenges, the use of nano fertilizers has emerged as a promising solution, offering improved nutrient delivery, enhanced efficiency, and sustainable agricultural practices. A field experiment on “Performance of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under different levels of granular fertilizers and nano fertilizers” was conducted during the rabi 2023-24 in Kakol village, Haveri district, Karnataka, using a split-plot design with three replications. Fifteen treatment combinations were taken with three fertilizer levels (M1: RPP, M2: RPP – 25 percent RDN, M3: RPP – 25 percent RDN and RDP) and five foliar sprays (S1: 4 ml nano urea l-1 of water at pre flowering stage, S2: 4 ml nano DAP l-1 of water at pre flowering stage, S3: 4 ml nano urea l-1 of water at pre and 50% flowering stage, S4: 4 ml nano DAP l-1 of water at pre and 50% flowering stage, S5: Control). Results revealed that among fertilizer levels higher plant height, number of green leaves plant-1, chlorophyll content, seed yield, stalk yield and B C ratio were recorded with RPP. Among different foliar sprays higher plant height, number of green leaves plant-1, chlorophyll content, seed yield, stalk yield and B C ratio were recorded with foliar spray of nano DAP 4 ml l-1 water at pre and 50 percent flowering stages. Nutrient uptake was higher with RPP among fertilizer levels and higher with foliar spray of nano DAP at two stages. From the results of our experiment, we can conclude that the integrated use of granular fertilizers with nano fertilizers promotes sustainable sunflower yield increases by enhancing nutrient efficiency, reducing input costs, improving soil health, and minimizing environmental impact.

In plants, leaves are the most important organs together with roots in terms of plant development. The effects of leaf defoliation and pinching on root architecture and bulb development were determined in lilies 'Vong' cultivar. For this purpose, leaf defoliation was determined as 0, 25%, 50%, 100%, and pinching was performed. Root length (cm), root surface area (cm2), root volume (cm3), root diameter (mm), number of tips, number of forks, and number of crossings in root architecture were measured. The effect of bulb properties was also determined in main bulb diameter (mm), bulb fresh weight (g), bulb dry weight (g), and bulbil diameter (mm). Leaf defoliation was found to affect root growth negatively. As the defoliation rate increased, the root architectural features decreased compared to the control. In contrast to leaf defoliation, the pinching application significantly increased root length (7568 cm), root surface area (9254 cm2), root volume (176 cm3), number of tips (8553), number of forks (40106), and number of crossings (7950). However, it had no effect on root diameter in two applications. In addition, while leaf defoliation decreased bulb characteristics, pinching application significantly increased bulb fresh weight (54.24 g), bulb dry weight (4.43 g), and bulb diameter (19.43 mm). It was also determined that the application that reduced the bulb fresh weight, bulb dry weight and bulb diameter the most was 100% leaf defoliation. As a result, it was found that pinching is the best method to ensure healthy root growth and bulb development, suggesting that it can be recommended for growing lilium bulbs.

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College, Jagtial during Rabi, 2023-24 to evaluate the effect of irrigation schedules and nano fertilizers as foliar spray in chickpea grown under zero tillage conditions. The experiment was laid out in Split plot design with 18 treatment combinations replicated thrice. The treatment includes three irrigation management viz., Residual soil moisture (no irrigation), one irrigation at pod development stage and two irrigations scheduled each at pre flowering and pod development stage as main plot treatments and six sub plot treatments as foliar nutrients viz., 100% RDF (RDF: 20-50-20 NPK kg ha-1), 75% N+ 100% P&K + Nano urea spraying @1250 ml ha-1 at branching initiation, 75% N & P + 100% K + Nano DAP spray @1250 ml ha-1 at branching initiation, 100% RDF + 19-19-19 Spray @ 0.5% at branching initiation, 100% RDF + Urea Spray @ 2% at branching initiation and 100% RDF + DAP Spray @ 2% at branching initiation in sandy clay loam soil. Results revealed that, irrigations scheduling at pre-flowering and pod development recorded significantly higher plant height (41.33 cm), dry matter production (521.5 g m-2), leaf area index (1.32), number of pods plant-1 (30.56), 100 seed weight (27.94 gm), seed yield (1,874 kg ha-1) and haulm yield (4,594 kg ha-1). Among the foliar nutrients application of 100% RDF + 19-19-19 Spray @ 0.5% at branching initiation had shown significantly higher plant height (43.21 cm), dry matter production (544.9 g m-2), leaf area index (1.41), number of branches plant-1 (14.11), number of seeds pod-1 (32.24), 100 seed weight (29.94g), number of pod plant-1 (1.30), seed yield (1,943 kg ha-1) and haulm yield (4,732 kg ha-1).

Synthesis of calcium borate nanoparticles and its use as a potential foliar fertilizer in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and zucchini (Cucurbita pepo)

The intensive agriculture involves imbalanced application of nitrogenous fertilizers, and their low nutrient efficiency will ultimately have a negative impact on soil. In the new scenario of increasing environmental constraints may represent an opportunity for nano fertilizers. Among the recent technologies, nano fertilizers are the emerging innovation, which have the potential to offer sustainable solutions to enhance the efficient use of nutrients and the crop yield. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at Experimental Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India during kharif 2021-22 to study the effect of nano urea on the growth and yield of rice under system of rice intensification. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with five replications. There were four treatments viz., T1–Farmer’spractice with RDF 120:40:40 (NPK kg/ha), T2–100% RDN+Nanourea (2 foliar sprays)+P+K, T3–75% RDN+Nanourea (2 foliar sprays)+P+K and T4–50% RDN+Nanourea (2 foliar sprays)+P+K. The experimental findings revealed that application of 75% RDN+Nanourea (2 foliar sprays)+P+K found to be most productive in terms of plant height (32.1, 65.7, 83.6 cm), leaf area index (5.10), dry matter production (3.2, 7.2, 13.2 t/ha) and number of productive tillers/m2 (17.6) resulting in higher grain yield (5485.2 kg/ha) and straw yield (7525.2 kg/ha). Nano fertilizers significantly improved the plant growth performance and imparted sustainability to crop production with comprising the crop yield.

This study investigates the impact of integrating nipping treatments and foliar applications on chickpea growth and yield parameters. The study focused on various stages of nipping viz. N1 - no nipping, N2 - nipping at 30 days after sowing (DAS), N3 - nipping at 45 DAS, and N4 - nipping at 60 DAS), in —combination with the foliar nutrient application treatments, namely F1- no foliar application, F2- NAA @ 100 ppm + Nano urea @ 4 ml/lit applied at 30 and 45 DAS, and F3 - NAA @ 100 ppm + Nano DAP at 4 ml/L applied at 30 and 45 DAS (F3). Among these treatments, the combined application of NAA @ 100 ppm + Nano DAP @ 4 ml/L applied at 30 and 45 DAS, along with nipping at 45 DAS (N3F3), emerged as the most effective practice in enhancing the yield and growth parameters of chickpea. This treatment significantly impacted the plant height, enhanced the lateral branches, and increased the dry matter production, eventually resulting in superior pod formation and grain yield. The findings highlight the synergy between the traditional practice of nipping and modern practice of foliar nutrition with nano fertilizers, demonstrating a sustainable and resource-efficient approach in chickpea cultivation.

The demand for shallots continues to experience a significant increase in consumption. The use of appropriate varieties and improved nutrition is one of the efforts to increase shallot production. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of fertilizer application methods on the growth and yield of several shallot varieties. The research was conducted in May-August 2023 in Ngringo Village, Jaten District, Karanganyar, Central Java with an altitude of 119.6 masl. This study used a factorial Complete Randomized Group Design (CRD) with two factors. Fertilizer application method was the first factor, namely: sowing and leaking. Varieties became the second factor, namely: Bima Brebes, Bauji, Tajuk, and Batu Ijo, resulting in eight treatment combinations with four replications. Observation parameters included plant height, number of leaves, fresh stalk weight, dry stalk weight, number of bulb, fresh weight of bulb, dry weight of bulb, dry weight of bulb per hectare, and bulb diameter. The results showed that the application of fertilizer by sowing can increase plant height 2-3 weeks after planting, fresh weight of bulbs, and dry weight of bulbs of shallots. The Tajuk variety produces plant height at 5 weeks, the number of leaves at 5 weeks, the fresh and dry weight of bulbs, the number of bulbs, and the fresh and dry weight stalk of shallots higher than other varieties. Fertilizer application by sowing can be applied to the Tajuk variety of shallots. ABSTRAK Kebutuhan bawang merah terus mengalami peningkatan konsumsi yang cukup signifikan. Penggunaan varietas yang tepat dan perbaikan nutrisi merupakan salah satu upaya untuk meningkatkan produksi bawang merah. Tujuan penelitian yaitu mengetahui pengaruh cara aplikasi pupuk terhadap pertumbuhan dan hasil beberapa varietas bawang merah. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada Bulan Mei-Agustus 2023 di Desa Ngringo, Kecamatan Jaten, Karanganyar, Jawa Tengah dengan ketinggian wilayah 119,6 mdpl. Penelitian ini menggunakan Rancangan Acak Kelompok Lengkap (RAKL) faktorial dengan dua faktor. Cara aplikasi pupuk menjadi faktor pertama, yaitu: ditabur dan dituangkan. Varietas menjadi faktor kedua, yaitu: Bima Brebes, Bauji, Tajuk, dan Batu Ijo, sehingga terdapat delapan petak kombinasi perlakuan yang diulang empat kali. Parameter pengamatan meliputi tinggi tanaman, jumlah daun, berat brangkasan segar, berat brangkasan kering, jumlah umbi per rumpun, berat segar umbi per rumpun, berat kering umbi per rumpun, berat kering umbi per hektar, dan diameter umbi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan aplikasi pupuk dengan cara ditabur dapat meningkatkan tinggi tanaman 2-3 minggu setelah tanam (MST), berat segar umbi per rumpun, dan berat kering umbi per rumpun bawang merah. Varietas Tajuk menghasilkan tinggi tanaman pada 5 MST, jumlah daun pada 5 MST, berat segar dan kering umbi per rumpun, jumlah umbi per rumpun, serta berat brangkasan segar dan kering bawang merah lebih tinggi dibanding varietas lain. Pemberian pupuk dengan cara ditabur dapat diaplikasikan pada bawang merah varietas Tajuk.

Growing vegetables can be seen as a means of improving people’s livelihoods and nutritional status. Tomatoes are one of the world’s most commonly planted vegetable crops. The nutritional arrangement of the tomato depends on the quantity and type of nutrients taken from the growing medium, such assoil and foliar application; therefore, an adequate amount of macro- and micro-nutrients, including zinc (Zn) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), are crucial for tomato production. Zinc foliar spraying is one of the effective procedures that may improve crop quality and yield. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are represented as a biosafety concern for biological materials. Foliar application of Zn showed better results in increasing soluble solids(TSS), firmness, titratable acidity, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, ascorbic acid, amount of lycopene. Researchers have observed the effect of nanoparticles of zinc oxide on various crops, including tomatoes. Foliar spraying of ZnO-NPs gave the most influential results in terms of best planting parameters, namely plant height, early flowering, fruit yields as well as lycopene content. Therefore, more attention should be given to improving quantity and quality as well as nutrient use efficiency of Zn and ZnO-NPs in tomato production. Recent information on the effect of zinc nutrient foliar spraying and ZnO-NPs as a nano fertilizer on tomato productivity is reviewed in this article.