Abstract
Important gaps in knowledge remain regarding the potential of nanoparticles (NPs) for plants, particularly the existence of helpful microorganisms, for instance, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi present in the soil. Hence, more profound studies are required to distinguish the impact of NPs on plant growth inoculated with AM fungi and their role in NP uptake to develop smart nanotechnology implementations in crop improvement. Zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) NPs are prepared via the citrate technique and defined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) as well as transmission electron microscopy for several physical properties. The analysis of the XRD pattern confirmed the creation of a nanocrystalline structure with a crystallite size equal to 25.4 nm. The effects of ZnFe2O4 NP on AM fungi, growth and pigment content as well as nutrient uptake of pea (Pisum sativum) plants were assessed. ZnFe2O4 NP application caused a slight decrease in root colonization. However, its application showed an augmentation of 74.36% and 91.89% in AM pea plant shoots and roots’ fresh weights, respectively, compared to the control. Moreover, the synthesized ZnFe2O4 NP uptake by plant roots and their contents were enhanced by AM fungi. These findings suggest the safe use of ZnFe2O4 NPs in nano-agricultural applications for plant development with AM fungi.
Highlights
Agriculture is the economic backbone of many countries, and in developing countries it is considered the main livelihood of the rural population [1] as it is the chief food source and expected to feed the ever-rising population worldwide [2]
The current study focuses on the impact of ZnFe2 O4 NPs on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal colonization and pea plant growth and the role of AM fungal hyphae in their uptake
ZnFe2 O4 NPs were synthesized, and their translocation into pea plant bodies was assessed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) analysis
Summary
Agriculture is the economic backbone of many countries, and in developing countries it is considered the main livelihood of the rural population [1] as it is the chief food source and expected to feed the ever-rising population worldwide [2]. Nanotechnology is expected to be the base of several biotechnological innovations in the 21st century and is regarded as the upcoming industrial revolution [3] as its application can be observed in innumerable fields (pharmacy, medicine, materials science, environmental protection and agriculture, etc.). Nanotechnology applications in the food and agriculture sector attract attention where nanoagrochemicals, for instance, nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, nanoparticles (NPs)-based growth stimulators and nanocarriers, are potentially more effective and pose a lower risk of environmental contamination than their conventional analogues [4,5]. Some reports documented neutral or negative responses to plants exposed to NPs [10]
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