Foliar exposure of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) to TiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles under field conditions: Photosynthetic response and flavonol profile

Abstract

In the past decade, utilization of nanostructured materials has increased intensively in a wide range of applications. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), for instance, can be applied for the inactivation of various pathogens through photo-induced generation of reactive oxygen species. Although TiO2 NPs with high antimicrobial activity are of great importance, in practice, their phytotoxic effects have not yet been fully clarified. In this study, we investigated the potential phytotoxicity of TiO2 NPs on grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) under field conditions. After foliar exposure, two particularly stress-sensitive parameters, photosynthetic function and the flavonol profile, were examined. Micro- and macroelement composition of the leaves was also studied by ICP-AES measurements. We found that TiO2 NPs significantly decreased the net CO2 assimilation and increased stomatal conductance, indicating metabolic (nonstomatal) inhibition of the photosynthesis. The lower electron transport rate and lower nonphotochemical quenching in treated leaves are indicative of diminished photoprotective processes.