Individual and combinatorial application of nanosilica and carbon nanoparticles alleviate nickel stress in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.): Impacts on gene expression, AsA − GSH cycle, cellular fractionation, and proline metabolism

Abstract

Nanotechnology is grabbing great attention all over the world because of its stimulating use in numerous fields, and the nanosilica (nSi) and carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) application has been examined in various studies. Conversely, the nSi and CNPs combinatorial use is a new method and researched in limited literature. A pot experiment was carried out for examining different growth and biochemical parameters in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) against the nickel (Ni) at 200 mg kg−1 (toxic concentration), primed with the combinatorial use of nSi at 3 mM and CNPs at 200 μM. It was observed that in soil, Ni toxicity significantly (P < 0.05) reduced plant growth, photosynthetic pigments, nutrient and affects oxidative stress and antioxidants response, gene expression, cellular fractionation, AsA-GSH cycle, proline metabolism, organic acids, and Ni absorption in H. vulgare. However, the nSi and CNPs application significantly (P < 0.05) increased plant development and biomass, photosynthetic attributes, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, their gene regulation, and reduced oxidative toxicity and Ni uptake. The nSi and CNPs combinatorial use was found to be more successful in improving these parameters in comparison with individual treatments. These findings unlocked new understandings for viable agricultural applications and hold deal in directing challenges of heavy metal pollution in cultivating lands.