Abstract
The effects of nanoparticles (NPs) on plants are contrasting; these depend on the model plant, the synthesis of the nanoparticles (concentration, size, shape), and the forms of application (foliar, substrate, seeds). For this reason, the objective of this study was to report the impact of different concentrations of selenium (Se) and copper (Cu) NPs on yield, antioxidant capacity, and quality of tomato fruit. The different concentrations of Se and Cu NPs were applied to the substrate every 15 days (five applications). The yield was determined until day 102 after the transplant. Non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant compounds were determined in the leaves and fruits as well as the fruit quality at harvest. The results indicate that tomato yield was increased by up to 21% with 10 mg L−1 of Se NPs. In leaves, Se and Cu NPs increased the content of chlorophyll, vitamin C, glutathione, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazolin-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and phenylalanine ammonia liasa (PAL). In fruits, they increased vitamin C, glutathione, flavonoids, firmness, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity. The combination of Se and Cu NPs at optimal concentrations could be a good alternative to improve tomato yield and quality, but more studies are needed to elucidate their effects more clearly.
Highlights
Selenium is not an essential element for plants, unlike humans and animals [1]
The interaction of 20 mg L−1 of Se NPs and 10 mg L−1 of Cu NPs increased the average weight of tomato fruit by 25% compared to the control
This study showed that the Se and the Cu NPs increased the amount of ascorbate from tomato leaves; this could have been due to the stimulation of NPs [27] and to a greater activity of the enzyme dehydroascorbate reductase [37]
Summary
Selenium is not an essential element for plants, unlike humans and animals [1]. It is chemically similar to sulfur, which is why most plants cannot distinguish between one or the other, except for hyper-accumulating plants that prefer Se [2]. The soluble ways in which plants can absorb this element are selenate and selenite [3,4]. The absorption of this element is regulated by transporters that are found in the plasma membrane of the root. Copper is an essential element for plants that is involved in multiple functions such as electron transport during the process of photosynthesis and respiration, detection of ethylene, cell wall metabolism, protection against oxidative stress, and biogenesis of the molybdenum cofactor [12]. Copper is widely used as a fungicide against certain pathogens Both selenium and copper are contributed to crops in low concentrations, as they can cause toxicity in the plant
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