Increasing Zn Content Research Articles

Effect of Zn and in to microstructure of aged SAC305/Cu joint

In this project, Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC305) solder was alloyed with Indium (In) and Zinc (Zn) at 0.5–1.5 wt%, and the aim was to reduce growth rate of IMC layer at interface of solder joint during thermal exposure. Five samples were prepared via casting; SAC305, SAC/1In, SAC/1In-0.5Zn, SAC/1In-1Zn and SAC/1In-1.5Zn. Solders were characterized via SEM equipped with EDX for the bulk microstructure, and the IMC layer after reflow and aging at 150 °C for 100 h. Reflow was done on bare copper (Cu) substrate at 270 °C for 10 s. Among the percentages evaluated, microstructural analysis revealed that addition of 1.0% Zn not only refined the Ag3Sn and Cu6Sn5 particles, but also increased the eutectic area and promoted the formation of small (Cu,Ag)5Zn8 intermetallic compound (IMC). This would potentially increase the strength of solder, and at the same time, provide blocking mechanism for atomic diffusion during thermal aging and could lead to lower IMC growth. With increasing Zn content up to 1.0 wt%, the reaction phase (Cu,Ag)5Zn8 becomes larger and its morphology changed from a strip-like shape into flower-like or dendritic shape. Highest addition of Zn at 1.5 wt% gave slowest growth indicating that addition of Zn did suppress growth of IMC in SAC305. This could be because Cu was being used to form (Cu,Ag)5Zn8 which was observed at vicinity of the Cu6Sn5 layer. The results showed great potential of Zn alloying to suppress growth of IMC layer during thermal aging of solder joint, and this could lead to higher reliability of solder joint in electronic packaging.

Co — Ni — Zn nanoferrites: magnetic and photocatalytic properties for the decomposition of 4-nitrophenol

The paper considers changes in the magnetic and catalytic properties of Co- Ni- Zn ferrites by drawing up plans Scheffe’s plans. Three-component ferrites were obtained using coprecipitation and glow dischage treatment. It was found that the saturation magnetization decreases for Ni- Zn ferrites with increasing Zn content, high values for the entire series of Co- Zn, Co-Ni ferrites are observed. The study of catalytic activity in relation to the decomposition reaction of 4-nitrophenol showed excellent results for all compositions. The effect of the mutual influence of the content of different cations on the photocatalytic properties is clearly traced. Ferrites containing one cation in the composition have lower photocatalytic activity. Using UV-spectroscopy, the mechanism of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) degradation was established.

Nitrogen fertilisation affected zinc and selenium biofortification in silage maize

Context Biofortification of forage crops has become even more important, due to the improvement in livestock nutrition, but it has also had an indirect positive impact on the human diet. Aim This study investigated the effect of nitrogen and microelement (Zn and Se) fertilisation on yield and on the microelement composition of maize (Zea mays L.) silage. Methods Two field experiments were conducted using a two-factorial split-plot design with nitrogen fertilisation in three doses: 0, 120, 180 and 240 kg N/ha. The first experiment included foliar Zn fertilisation as the second factor (0, 1.5 kg Zn/ha and 1.5 kg Zn/ha + urea solution). The second experiment studied the effect of Se (10 g Se/ha). Key results Nitrogen fertilisation increased biomass yield, Cu and Mn concentration in silage maize. Application of Se and Zn did not affect the biomass yield, but it had a positive effect on Se and Zn concentration in plants. Zn and urea application in combination proved to be more efficient in increasing Zn concentration in plants when compared to Zn applied alone. Conclusions Nitrogen and fertilisation with Zn and Se can be a good tool in fodder plant biofortification because their application led to a yield increase (Zn), but at the same time to an improvement in the mineral composition of maize biomass, with essential elements (Zn and Se). Implications Although biofortification with 1.5 kg Zn/ha has achieved the concentration in maize biomass that can meet the nutritional needs of dairy cows, further research is needed to examine the adjuvant doses and forms of Zn to obtain high yields and Zn concentration in forage crops.

Silicon and zinc nanoparticles-enriched miscanthus biochar enhanced seed germination, antioxidant defense system, and nutrient status of radish under NaCl stress

Context Soil salinity mitigation with nanoparticles enriched biochar (Bc) can be a better strategy to resolve the uprising threat against food security. Aim The present study was designed to prepare silicon nanoparticles enriched biochar (Si-En-Bc) and zinc nanoparticles enriched biochar (Zn-En-Bc), which may not only reduced the toxic effects of NaCl stress on initial growth of radish crop but also improved its physiology and defensive mechanism. Method Seeds were germinated in pots with six treatments under normal and NaCl stress, (100 mM NaCl), Zn-En-Bc (1% w/w), and Si-En-Bc (1% w/w). Twenty days old seedlings were harvested and their fresh weight and various germination and biochemical parameters were tested. Key results A significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents was observed with Si-En-Bc + NaCl relative to NaCl stress. It might be due to the significant increase in the antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) (42%), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (38.7%), catalase (CAT) (30.9%) and shoot phenolics (59%) with Si-En-Bc + NaCl over NaCl stress. Application of Zn-En-Bc also caused a maximum increase in root and shoot Zn concentration (76.8 and 54.9%, respectively) under NaCl stress. Conclusions Hence, Si-En-Bc proved to be the best treatment for the radish plant to complete its early growth stage under NaCl stress while Zn-En-Bc not only compensated NaCl stress but also enhanced Zn availability. Implications This study implies that Si-En-Bc or Zn-En-Bc should be applied to the salt affected soil before the crop sowing so seedling can grow under the ameliorative effects of applied amendments. Also, Si-En-Bc or Zn-En-Bc should be tested on a degraded soils at larage scale such as field level.

Seed-applied zinc-solubilising

Biofertiliser is considered a promising biofortification intervention that can integrate with plant breeding as well as agronomic measures to overcome malnutrition in regions where the staple diet is cereal. This study was conducted to improve maize (Zea mays L.) productivity and biofortification with zinc (Zn) through the application of Zn-solubilising biofertilisers. Four pre-isolated, promising Zn-solubilising Bacillus strains, Bacillus sp. ZM20, B. aryabhattai ZM31, B. aryabhattai S10 and B. subtilis ZM63, were coated on maize seeds by forming slurry-based sole- and co-inoculated biofertilisers. The treated maize seeds were grown in a spring season (Trial I) and the experiment was repeated the following year on the same field (Trial II). The seed-applied co-inoculated Bacillus biofertiliser formulations significantly promoted antioxidant enzyme activities (ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase), growth and yield attributes, and nutrient accumulation in maize grains during both field trials compared with sole-inoculated biofertiliser formulations. Application of ZM31–ZM63 biofertiliser formulation showed a greater increase in these attributes than other biofertiliser formulations, as well as an increase in grain iron (Fe) concentration (up to 1.69-fold in Trial I and 1.77-fold in Trial II) and Zn concentration (up to 1.50-fold in Trial I and 1.41-fold in Trial II) relative to the uninoculated control. Fe and Zn concentrations in maize grains resulting from the application of seed-based Bacillus biofertiliser formulations could fulfill the minimum required level of these nutrients for daily intake. From the study, recommendation can be made to apply Zn-solubilising bioinoculants for the biofortification of maize grains to overcome malnutrition issues in regions with cereal-based staple diets.

Seed priming and soil application of zinc decrease grain cadmium accumulation in standard and zinc-biofortified wheat cultivars

Context Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal for both plants and humans. Wheat grown on Cd-contaminated soils may accumulate toxic levels of Cd in grains. Aim This study aimed to compare soil zinc (Zn) application and seed Zn-priming for decreasing grain Cd concentration in standard and Zn-biofortified wheat cultivars grown on Cd-spiked soil. Methods Standard (Jauhar-2016) and Zn-biofortified (Zincol-2016) wheat cultivars were grown in pots filled with Cd-spiked soil (8 mg Cd kg−1). The tested Zn treatments were un-primed, hydro-primed, and Zn-primed seeds with and without soil Zn application at 8 mg kg−1. Key results Zinc treatments significantly mitigated the toxic effects of Cd on the growth and physiological parameters of both cultivars. As compared to control, all Zn treatments significantly increased Zn and decreased Cd concentration in grains of the cultivars. On average, the maximum increase in grain Zn concentration over control was approximately 36% with Zn-priming + soil Zn. The same treatment, as compared to control, decreased grain Cd concentration by 42% in Zincol-2016 and 35% in Jauhar-2016. Grain Cd concentration was within the permissible level (≤0.2 mg kg−1) in Jauhar-2016 at all Zn treatments and in Zincol-2016 at Zn-priming + soil Zn. Conclusion Soil Zn application, seed Zn-priming, and their combination were effective in decreasing grain Cd accumulation in wheat grown on Cd-contaminated soil. Implication Zinc treatments, especially the combination of soil Zn application and seed Zn-priming, should be recommended for wheat grown on Cd-contaminated soil.

Mineral Biofortification and Growth Stimulation of Lentil Plants Inoculated with Trichoderma Strains and Metabolites.

Biofortification of crops via agricultural interventions represents an excellent way to supply micronutrients in poor rural populations, who highly suffer from these deficiencies. Soil microbes can directly influence plant growth and productivity, e.g., by contrasting plant pathogens or facilitating micronutrient assimilation in harvested crop-food products. Among these microbial communities, Trichoderma fungi are well-known examples of plant symbionts widely used in agriculture as biofertilizers or biocontrol agents. In this work, eleven Trichoderma strains and/or their bioactive metabolites (BAMs) were applied to lentil plants to evaluate their effects on plant growth and mineral content in greenhouse or field experiments. Our results indicated that, depending upon the different combinations of fungal strain and/or BAM, the mode of treatment (seed and/or watering), as well as the supplementary watering with solutions of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), the mineral absorption was differentially affected in treated plants compared with the water controls. In greenhouse conditions, the largest increase in Fe and Zn contents occurred when the compounds were applied to the seeds and the strains (in particular, T. afroharzianum T22, T. harzianum TH1, and T. virens GV41) to the soil. In field experiments, Fe and Zn contents increased in plants treated with T. asperellum strain KV906 or the hydrophobin HYTLO1 compared with controls. Both selected fungal strains and BAMs applications improved seed germination and crop yield. This biotechnology may represent an important challenge for natural biofortification of crops, thus reducing the risk of nutrient deficiencies.

Effect of Soil Application of Zinc on Growth, Yield and Zinc Concentration in Rice Varieties

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is widespread nutrient disorder in lowland rice growing areas in Asia, especially in Bangladesh. Intensive cropping with modern varieties causes depletion of inherent nutrient reserves in soils. The application of Zn fertilizers results in higher crop productivity and increases Zn concentration in crops. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Zn application on growth, yield, and grain-Zn concentration in eight varieties of rice. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with a distribution of Zn rates (0 kg ha-1 and 3 kg ha-1 from ZnO) to the main plots and rice varieties (BRRI dhan49, BRRI dhan52, BRRI dhan56, BRRI dhan57, Kalizira, Biroin, Gainja and Khirshapath) to the sub-plots. Zinc application improved effective tillers hill-1, grains panicle-1 and 1000-grain weight which impacted the grain yield of rice. Among the eight rice varieties, a significant increase of grain yield was recorded in BRRI dhan49, BRRI dhan52, BRRI dhan56 and BRRI dhan57 due to application of Zn. Zinc concentration of grain significantly increased in all rice varieties except Biroin. The highest grain-Zn concentration (19.1 mg kg-1) was noted in BRRI dhan57 with 3 kg ha-1 Zn and the lowest value (11.3 mg kg-1) was observed in BRRI dhan52 without Zn application. The highest percent increase of grain Zn concentration over control was obtained in high yielding rice variety BRRI dhan49 and the lowest Zn concentration was found in local rice variety Biroin.

Effect of Various Rates of P from Alternative and Traditional Sources on Butterhead Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Grown on Peat Substrate

Previous research indicated the potential use of struvite (STR) as an alternative source of phosphorus (P) in crop production. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of STR and triple superphosphate (TSP) on the growth and chemical composition of butterhead lettuce grown on peat substrate over a three-month period (May–July). Both alternative (STR) and conventional (TSP) fertilizers were applied at three rates: (1) recommended rate based on the elemental content of substrate and crop nutritional need; (2) reduced rate (50% lower than recommended); and (3) increased rate (50% higher than recommended). Unfertilized (control) plants were also grown in the pot experiment. As expected, fertilizer application tended to increase the content of heavy metals in the substrate. Thus, an increase in Zn, Pb, and Cu content in peat substrate was found following STR amendments. However, compared with unfertilized plants, the applied rates of the STR and TSP fertilizers did not increase the content of Cd and Cu in the plant leaf, while Hg content was below the detection limit. In addition, Zn content in the plant leaf significantly decreased following STR and TSP applications. In comparison to unfertilized plants, both alternative and conventional fertilizers increased the content of P and nitrate nitrogen (N-NO3−) in the plant leaf while their effect on Mg content was negligible. The increased rate of STR was the best fertilizer treatment because it produced the largest number of leaves, which were also characterized by the highest P content. Our findings showed that STR was an effective source of P in butterhead lettuce cultivation without adverse effects on heavy metal accumulation.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Personalized Treatment of Trace Element and Vitamin Status in Men with Initial Stages of Androgenic Alopecia Treated with Conservative Therapy

Background. Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of pathological hair loss with multiple micronutrient disorders involvedin its occurrence and development.
 Aimto evaluatethe effectiveness of personalized treatment of micronutrient deficiencies in patients with early stages of AGA and conservative therapy using a vasodilator drug minoxidil based on evidence-based medicine.
 Methods. A total 48 patients with stages IIV of AGA (according to the NorwoodHamilton scale) were recruited to experimental prospective clinical study evaluating the effectiveness of pharmaceutical forms of trace elements and vitamins. The primary diagnosis of micronutrient deficiency was carried out by comparing laboratory parameters of patients with AGA and 25 healthy volunteers. After that, conservative treatment with 5% topical minoxidilin AGA patients was enriched with 2-month personalized systemic supplementation of pharmaceutical forms of trace elements and vitamins. At the end of the study, the correspondence between changes in trace elements and vitamins content in the plasma and the trichogram parameters before and after conservative therapy was assessed.
 Results. The majority (96%) of the examined patients with AGA were characterized by mono- or polynutrient deficiencies. Personalized correction made it possible to restore the content of Se, Mg, Fe and vitamin E to the baseline levels and to achieve a significant increase in Zn, vitamin D and folic acid plasma content. The relationship between changes in the level of micronutrients and trichogram parameters was recorded only for Se (decrease in anagen hairs: r = 0.43; p = 0.037; decrease in hair density: r = 0.45; p = 0.028) and folic acid (an increase in anagen hairs: r = 0.41; p = 0.024); the positive effect of vitamin E on hair density was also detected.
 Conclusion. The results of the study allow to recommend a personalized treatment of folic acid and vitamin E deficiencies, with possible refusal to use the Se-containing drugs in conservative therapy of patients with the early stages of AGA.

Sun/UV-light driven photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B dye by Zn doped CdS nanostructures as photocatalyst

The optical and electronic properties of semiconducting materials are modified by the doping of suitable elements. Pure and Zn doped (1%, 3%, 5% and 7%) CdS nanostructures are synthesized by facile, one-pot solvothermal method. The synthesized materials are characterized using different characterization techniques. The XRD results revealed that the synthesized nanostructures have both, cubic and hexagonal crystalline phases. The optical band gap is increased with the increase of Zn content in the CdS matrix. The change in absorption and emission features with doping has made the doped materials suitable for photocatalytic applications under sun light and ultra-violet (UV) irradiation. The pure and Zn doped CdS nanostructures are used for photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye under UV and sun light irradiation. The Zn (3%) doped CdS nanostructures show better photocatalytic degradation (93%) of RhB under sun light irradiation. It could be due to the combined effects of the shifting in energy levels and change in shape and size of the nanostructures with doping.

Soil amendments with ZnSO4 or MnSO4 are effective at reducing Cd accumulation in rice grain: An application of the voltaic cell principle

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in paddy soil often results in elevated Cd concentrations in rice grain, which is a serious concern threatening food safety. Most of the Cd accumulated in rice grain is derived from its remobilization in paddy soil during the grain filling period when paddy water is drained. We have previously shown that the voltaic cell effect controls the oxidative release of cadmium sulfide (CdS) during the drainage period. Metal sulfides with lower electrochemical potentials than CdS can suppress the oxidation of CdS. In the present study, we tested whether amendments of ZnSO4 or MnSO4 could enhance the suppressive voltaic effect on Cd release and subsequent accumulation in rice grain. The one-time addition of ZnSO4 (75 kg/ha Zn) decreased CaCl2-extractable Cd concentrations in soils by 32–64% in pot experiments and by 16–30% in field trials during the drainage period. Consequently, Cd concentrations in brown rice were reduced by 74–87% and 60–72% in pot experiments and field trials, respectively. Importantly, this effect persisted in the second year without further addition. The amendment of MnSO4 had similar effects in decreasing soil extractable Cd and Cd concentrations in brown rice. These effects were not attributed to the addition of sulfate. A single application of such doses of ZnSO4 or MnSO4 (e.g. 75–150 kg/ha Zn or Mn) only caused a marginal increase in soil Zn or Mn concentrations and had no significant impact on grain yield. Taken together, amendments of ZnSO4 and/or MnSO4 (at the rate of 75–150 kg/ha Zn and or Mn) formed a protective voltaic cell partner against the oxidative dissolution of CdS and thus were highly effective in reducing Cd accumulation in rice grain. This work provides a simple but effective method to decrease soil Cd availability during soil drainage and mitigate Cd accumulation in rice to ensure food safety.

Magnetic, structural and magnetocaloric effect investigations on the substituted spinel Mg1−xZnxFe2O4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) prepared by sol-gel method

Polycrystalline Mg1−xZnxFe2O4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) ferrites were prepared with sol-gel method. The obtained samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and Mössbauer spectrometry. The X-ray diffraction analysis combined with the Rietveld refinement confirmed that the samples crystallize in a single-phase cubic spinel structure with (SG: Fd3−m) and an average grain size in the range of 29.1–40 nm. Lattice parameter increases with increasing Zn concentration, due to the larger ionic radius of Zn2+ ions in regard of Mg2+ ions. The Curie temperature TC decreases linearly with substitution. Saturation magnetization (MS), magnetic moment of iron (µFe) and magnetic entropy change (-ΔSM) increase for x ≤ 0.5 and decrease for x ≥ 0.5, this behavior is attributed to the cationic distribution of the ions on tetrahedral [A] and octahedral [B] sites, where the structure turns from partially inverse spinel to normal spinel, affecting the remanent magnetization and the coercitive field. Moreover, a new empirical relation is acquired performing linear relation between magnetic moment and the inversion parameter δ. Mössbauer spectra show a transformation from sextuple to an only a doublet which indicates a transformation from ferrimagnetic to paramagnetic phase, this ferrimagnetism degradation is confirmed by the negative values of -ΔSM and the transition of the magnetocaloric effect from normal to inverse through substitution.

Zn contamination stimulate agonistic behavior and oxidative stress of crayfishes (Procambarus clarkii)

BackgroundAs a result of the global industrial revolution, contamination of the ecosystem by heavy metals has given rise to one of the most important ecological and organismic problems. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of Zn contamination on agonistic behavior and oxidative damage of crayfish. MethodsCrayfishes of the field study group were collected from a polluted area (Rosetta branch), where the highest concentration for heavy metals in water was zinc (Zn). Besides the field study group, other crayfishes were exposed to different doses of ZnSO4 (0, 203, and 406 mg L−1), which corresponding to Zn concentration (0, 46.03, and 92.06 mg L−1) respectively in aquariums for consecutive four days. Agonistic behavior is quantified by decreasing fast retreat, slowly back away and no response, increasing initial claw use, active claw use, approach with the threat, approach without threat, and unrestrained behavior. ResultsThe result revealed that agonistic behavior increases significantly with the increase of water Zn concentration. Malondialdehyde and catalase levels increased, while glutathione concentration reduced with the increase of Zn concentration. ConclusionOur current study reveals that zinc exposure is capable of inducing an increase in the social status (agonistics behavior) and oxidative stress parameters in Procambarus clarkii. The increase in aggressive behavior may have major population-level consequences given the high mortality experienced by this crayfish.

Assessment of the effects of metformin and glibenclamide on the concentration of selected trace elements in type 2 diabetic patients

Metformin and glibenclamide may have beneficial effects on the levels of trace elements in diabetic patients. The aim of the current study was to assess the effects of metformin and glibenclamide on the concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The metformin-treated patients showed significantly lower serum Cu levels compared with the untreated and glibenclamide groups. In addition, treatment with metformin was associated with a significant increase in serum concentrations of Zn compared to the newly diagnosed patients, whereas it did not show a noticeable alteration in the serum level of Mg. In contrast, the glibenclamide treated group revealed significantly higher Zn and Mg levels compared with the newly diagnosed group, while the serum level of Cu was not significantly modified. In conclusion, treatment with metformin led to a reduction in serum Cu and an increase in serum Zn concentrations, whereas glibenclamide treatment displayed enhancement in serum Zn and Mg levels.

Bioavailability of Dietary Zinc Sources and Their Effect on Mineral and Antioxidant Status in Lambs

This study investigated the relative bioavailability (RBV) of zinc from different sources used as feed additives in ruminant nutrition based on Zn concentration and the activity of Zn-dependent enzymes in lamb tissues. Thirty-two male lambs of Improved Valachian breed (three months old) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments. For 120 days, the lambs were fed either the total mix ration (TMR) providing 29.6 mg Zn/kg or the TMR supplemented with either zinc sulphate (ZnSO4), zinc chelate of glycine hydrate (ZnGly), or zinc chelate of protein hydrolysate (ZnProt). The supplemented diets contained a total of 80 mg Zn/kg. Supplementation with ZnSO4 increased Zn concentration in the liver, while the highest Zn uptake was in the kidneys of lambs fed the ZnProt diet. The ZnGly supplemented diet elevated the activity of the Cu/Zn-dependent enzyme superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) in the liver. Regardless of Zn source, Zn supplementation resulted in increased total antioxidant status (TAS) in the pancreas. The estimated RBV of Zn based on linear regression slope ratios did not differ among the Zn sources. Our results indicate similar availability of Zn from organic dietary sources as from commonly used zinc sulphate; however, their effects on mineral and antioxidant status may differ slightly in growing lambs.

Next-generation technologies for iron and zinc biofortification and bioavailability in cereal grains

Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) are recognised as micronutrients of clinical significance to public health globally. Major staple crops (wheat, rice and maize) contain insufficient levels of these micronutrients. Baseline concentrations in wheat and maize grains are 30 µg/g for Fe and 25 µg/g for Zn, and in rice grains, 2 µg/g for Fe and 16 µg/g for Zn. However, wheat grains should contain 59 μg Fe/g and 38 μg Zn/g if they are to meet 30–40% of the average requirement of an adult diet. Scientists are addressing malnutrition problems by trying to enhance Fe and Zn accumulation in grains through conventional and next-generation techniques. This article explores the applicability and efficiency of novel genome editing tools compared with conventional breeding for Fe and Zn biofortification and for improving the bioavailability of cereal grains. Some wheat varieties with large increases in Zn concentration have been developed through conventional breeding (e.g. BHU1, BHU-6 and Zincol-2016, with 35–42 µg Zn/g); however, there has been little such success with Fe concentration. Similarly, no rice variety has been developed through conventional breeding with the required grain Fe concentration of 14.5 µg/g. Transgenic approaches have played a significant role for Fe and Zn improvement in cereal crops but have the limitations of low acceptance and strict regulatory processes. Precise editing by CRISPR-Cas9 will help to enhance the Fe and Zn content in cereals without any linkage drag and biosafety issues. We conclude that there is an urgent need to biofortify cereal crops with Fe and Zn by using efficient next-generation approaches such as CRISPR/Cas9 so that the malnutrition problem, especially in developing countries, can be addressed.

Effect of heat-treatment temperature and zinc addition on magnetostructural and surface properties of manganese nanoferrite prepared by an ecofriendly sol–gel synthesis

ZnxMn1-xFe2O4@SiO2 nanocomposites (NCs) (x = 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00) were prepared by eco-friendly sol–gel synthesis followed by heat treatment at different temperatures and characterized. The X-ray diffraction shows poorly crystallized ferrite after the heat treatment at low temperatures and highly crystalline ferrite accompanied by several secondary phases at high temperatures. The crystallite size increases from 2.4 to 45.2 nm with the increase of heat treatment temperature. The specific surface decreases from 281 to 13 m2/g with the increase of the heat treatment temperature, reaching values below 1 m2/g at 1200 °C. All NCs have pores within the mesoporous range, with high dispersion of pores’ sizes. The NCs show ferrimagnetic behavior, close to the superparamagentic limit. The main magnetic parameters, saturation magnetization, remanence, coercivity and magnetic anisotropy constant of ZnxMn1-xFe2O4@SiO2 nanoparticles increase with the increase of particle size and heat treatment temperature and decrease with increase of Zn content. This behavior could be explained presuming that the Zn2+, Mn2+ and Fe3+ ions can simultaneously occupy both the tetrahedral and octahedral sites in the ZnxMn1-xFe2O4 ferrite.

Foliar application of zinc improves morpho-physiological and antioxidant defense mechanisms, and agronomic grain biofortification of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under water stress

Agronomic biofortification with zinc (Zn) may be engaged to improve the nutritious value of food crops along-with tolerance to water deficit conditions. The Zn may increase plant resistance to water stress by boosting physiological and enzymatic antioxidants defense mechanisms. Major objective of this study was to investigate the effect of foliar applied Zn on grain zin biofortification and drought tolerance in wheat. Treatments include application of Zinc at terminal growth phases (BBCH growth stage 49 and BBCH growth stage 65) with five levels: 0 (control-ck), water spray, 5, 10 and 15 mM under two levels of water regimes; well-watered (where 80% water holding capacity (WHC) was maintained in the soil) and water stress, (where 40% WHC was maintained in the soil). Results revealed that water stress significantly reduced relative water contents, gas exchange attributes, plant height, yield and yield related attributes of wheat. In contrast, hydrogen peroxide, free proline levels, activities of malondialdehyde, and concentration of soluble protein were markedly increased under water stress condition. Application of various levels of Zn significantly improved the CAT, SOD, POD and ASP activities at 40% WHC compared with control treatment. Foliarly applied 10 and 15 mM Zn predominantly reduced the damaging impact of water stress by improving the plant status in the form of plant height, RWC and gas exchange attributes. Likewise, wheat plant treated with 10 mM Zn under water stress condition increased the grain yield by improving number of grains per spike, 100 grain weight and biological yield compared with control. Moreover, increasing Zn levels also increased Zn concentration in grains and leaves. Overall, this study suggests that optimum level of Zn (10 mM) might be promising for alleviating the adverse impacts of water stress and enhance the grain biofortification in wheat.

Positive and negative phenotyping of increasing Zn concentrations by Biospeckle Optical Coherence Tomography in speedy monitoring on lentil (Lens culinaris) seed germination and seedling growth

Reliable seed screening that can speedily detect qualities such as dormancy and seed germination can be of great significance in improving plant growth, crop yield, and quality. On the other hand, Optical Coherent Tomography (OCT) has been extensively used as a potential tool in visualizing structures of biological objects, especially the retina. However, its role in visualizing temporal changes that accompany these structures as speckle noise remains relatively underexplored. The present study of biospeckle OCT or bOCT demonstrates the potential of speckles in plant physiological studies. In this paper, the potential of bOCT in speedily investigating the positive and negative phenotyping of increasing Zn concentrations on lentil seed (Lens culinaris) germination and seedling growth were demonstrated. Lentil seeds were exposed to three different Zn concentrations of 0 (control), 5, 10, and 100 mg/L for 24 h, and the structural OCT images were acquired to calculate the temporal fluctuations in the image as a quantity called the average speckle contrast (γ). The average speckle contrast was calculated after 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h of exposure to different concentrations. Statistically significant differences were observed even within 12 h of exposure under all the Zn treatments compared to control. In comparison, the conventional measurements of germination rate, root and shoot lengths, and fresh and dry weights of seedlings took nearly 48 h to observe significant changes. Furthermore, the Zn uptake measurements were significant for all the tested concentrations after seven days of exposure. Further, bOCT results showed a clear concentration dependent effect with 5, 10 mg/L producing positive effects, while a high concentration of 100 mg/L showing a detrimental effect on seed germination and seedling growth. Thus, the current study results imply that bOCT can be used to investigate the positive and negative effects of increasing Zn concentrations on seed germination and seedling growth at an early stage before germination.