Nano Zinc Research Articles

Effect of Nano Nitrogen and Nano Zinc on the Growth and Yield of Sweetcorn

Aim: To study the effect of nano nitrogen and nano zinc on the growth and yield of sweetcorn (variety KSP-5389) in Inceptisol of Odisha.
 Experimental design: The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and eight treatments. The treatments details were T1-Absolute control, T2- RDF (Recommended dose of N: P2O5: K2O :: 80: 40: 40), T3- RDF + Zn @ 5 kg ha-1 , T4- 50 % N + N foliar spray ( Vegetative Stage), T5- 50% N + N foliar spray ( Vegetative Stage + Tasselling), T6- 50% N + N foliar spray ( Vegetative Stage + Tasselling) + Zn foliar spray (Silking stage), T7- 50% N + N foliar spray ( Vegetative Stage + Tasselling) + Zn foliar spray (Silking+Milking), T8- N spray ( Veg+ Tasselling ) + Zn spray (Silking+ Dough). P & K was common to all treatment except control.
 Place and duration of study: A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season, February 2022 at khujimahal, Chandaka, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar Odisha.
 Results: The results showed that highest biological yield (1685 kgha-1) was found in the application of (50% N with two foliar sprays of nano N at vegetative and tasselling stage and two foliar spray of nano Zn @4ml L-1 at silking and milking stage). Whereas lowest cobyield (691 kg ha-1) was observed in absolute control. Compare with recommended dose of fertilizer with Zn, the application of 50% N with Nano N and Nano Zn as double foliar spray, the yield was increased by 41% whereas 26% yield increase by single foliar application of nano Zn.
 Conclusion: Highest harvest index HI was found in the application of 50% N with two foliar sprays of nano N at vegetative and tasselling stage and two sprays of nano Zn @4 ml L-1 at silking and milking stage and lowest in control. Application of 50% N with two foliar sprays of nano N at vegetative and tasselling stage and two spray of nano Zn @4ml l-1 at silking and dough stage (T8) helps in increasing the yield of sweet corn as well as nutrient concentration and nutrient uptake followed by T7 (50 % N + N foliar spray at vegetative stage @ 4ml l-1 + Zn spray at Silking and Milking stage).

Enhancing physiological metrics, yield, zinc bioavailability, and economic viability of Basmati rice through nano zinc fertilization and summer green manuring in semi-arid South Asian ecosystem.

During the summer and rainy seasons (April-October) of 2020 and 2021, two consecutive field experiments were conducted at the research farm of the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India. In this study, we examined the effects of summer green manuring crops (GM) and a variety of zinc fertilizers (ZnF) on Basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) growth, physiological development, yield response, zinc nutrition and economic returns. A combination of GM residues and nano zinc fertilization helped significantly enhancing Basmati rice's growth and its physiological development. Following the incorporation of Sesbania aculeata (Sesbania), successive Basmati rice physiological parameters were significantly improved, as well as grain, straw, biological yields, harvest index and economic returns. The highest Zn content of 15.1 mg kg -1 and the lowest of 11.8 mg kg -1 in milled rice grain were recorded in Sesbania green manuring (G2) and control i.e., in the fallow (G1), respectively. Coating onto urea with 0.2% nano zinc oxide (NZnCU) was observed to be more effective than other zinc sources in terms of growth parameters, yield attributes, zinc nutrition, grain and straw yields for succeeding Basmati rice crop; however, the effects were comparable to those of bulk zinc oxide-coated urea (BZnCU) of 1%. The highest Zn content of 15.1 mg kg -1 was recorded with the application of 1% BZnCU and the lowest of 11.96 mg kg -1 with the soil application of 5 kg Zn ha -1 through bulk ZnO in the milled rice grain. Application of 1% BZnCU led to a 26.25% increase in Zn content of milled rice grain compared to soil application of 5 kg Zn ha -1 through bulk ZnO. As a result, the combination of inclusion of Sesbania aculeata (Sesbania) residue and 0.2% NZnCU was identified as the most effective treatment, for Basmati rice growth and physiological development. A combination of nano Zn fertilization in conjunction with the incorporation of green manure can be advocated for better growth, physiological performance, zinc dense grains, and higher profitability of Basmati rice for farmers and consumers.

NZnO-based graphene/graphene oxide compounds inhibit methane metabolic pathways and lower the development of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors

Ruminant gastrointestinal fermentation produces a large amount of methane (CH4), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and virulence factors (VFs) pose significant risks to human health. This study utilized metagenomic sequencing to investigate the effect of nZnO-based graphene (nZnOG) and nZnO-based graphene oxide (nZnOGO) on the archaeal community, CH4 metabolism, ARGs, VFs, and chemotaxis. Results indicated that the levels of zinc in manure were significantly lower in the nZnOG and nZnOGO groups compared to the nano zinc oxide (nZnO) group. The principal component analysis (PCA) of ARGs antibiotic class showed that there was an 80.13% variation between the three groups, suggesting that different zinc sources could influence ARGs related to various classes of antibiotics. The nZnO group exhibited considerably higher resistance levels to antimicrobial peptides and triclosan, in contrast to the nZnOG and nZnOGO groups. The copy number of ARGs followed the order of nZnO > nZnOG > nZnOGO, with a significant difference observed between the nZnO and nZnOGO groups. Moreover, the nZnOGO group displayed a significantly lower copy number of VFs compared to the nZnO group. Furthermore, the nZnOGO group demonstrated inhibition of CH4 metabolic and chemotaxis pathways, which were associated with reduced transfer of ARGs and VFs. The functional coexistence of ARGs and VFs was driven by the archaeal community, while chemotaxis regulated changes in the archaeal community. These findings suggest that nZnOGO has the potential to inhibit the expression of ARGs and VFs through the inhibition of CH4 metabolism and chemotaxis pathways. Consequently, feed supplementation with nZnOGO may offer a possible solution for mitigating CH4 emission and reducing the transmission of ARGs and VFs.

Study on the regulation of degradation performance of polyethylene glycol nanofiber membranes by urushiol

This study explores a new type of nanofiber membrane using water-soluble polymer material, polyethylene glycol (PEG), as the main raw material. The membrane is prepared by combining PEG with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and urushiol (UR) through electrospinning. The research findings demonstrate that the degradation rate of the nanofiber membrane can be controlled by adjusting the UR content, enabling the production of wound dressings that match the required healing time. Additionally, the addition of UR provides the nanofiber membrane with certain antimicrobial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. When combined with nano zinc oxide (ZnO), the antimicrobial effect of the nanofiber membrane reaches 99%. Furthermore, cytotoxicity experiments conducted on the nanofiber membrane meet the relevant standards. The results of this study provide a reliable option for researching and developing PEG materials with improved drug delivery effects. The nanofiber membrane possesses the characteristic of regulating degradation rate and shows potential for application in the field of wound healing, providing support for wound repair and tissue remodeling.

Effects of nano zinc oxide supplementation on metabolic parameters during the transition period in Lacaune ewes

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to determine the influence of nano zinc oxide (N-ZnO) on metabolic parameters in transition periods of the Lacaune ewes. The animals were allocated into two equal groups: the control group (n = 10) and the experimental group (n = 10) supplemented with 20 mg/kg of N-ZnO. Blood samples were collected from all ewes on days −30, −15, 0 (parturition), + 15 and +30. A time effect was observed on aspartate aminotransferase which decreased in both groups from day −30 to day 0 (P ≤ 0.05). All ewes on day 0 had lower alanine aminotransferase than on day −30 (P ≤ 0.001) and day −15 (P ≤ 0.05). In both groups, albumin and total protein levels on day −30, blood urea nitrogen level on day +30 (P ≤ 0.001), β-hydroxybutyric acid and non-esterified fatty acid levels on day +15 (P ≤ 0.05) were higher. Triglycerides on day +30, glucose on days −15, 0, + 30 were lower (P ≤ 0.001). Blood calcium was lower (P ≤ 0.05) and zinc was higher on day +30 (P ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, there was no significant effect of N-ZnO/kg supplementation during the transition period, but changes in metabolic parameters due to a time effect were observed.

Performance of Integrated Nutrient Management and Foliar Spray of Micronutrients on Growth, Yield Attribute and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during two rabi seasons of 2021-2022 and 2022-23 at Students’ Instructional Farm of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology Kanpur, (U.P.) The experiment was caried out in SPD (Split Plot Design) with fifteen treatment combination were replication thrice. fifteen treatment treatments combination consisted of three organic manure + RDF nutrient source (Control (100% RDF), 100 % RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5t/ha, and 100 % RDF + FYM @ 5t/ha) put under main plot and five foliar spray of micronutrient control (No spray),Foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.25% at tillering and booting stages, Foliar spray of Nano Zinc @ 0.5% at tillering and booting stages, Foliar spray of FeSO4 @ 0.25% at tillering and booting stages and M5- Foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.25% + FeSO4 @ 0.25% at tillering and booting stages) allotted under sub plot. The study on yield attribute and yield of wheat. The result showed that the maximum increase growth parameters, yield attribute and yield of wheat viz plant height (cm), number of tillers/m2, and leaf area index and number of grain/spike, number spike/m2, total grain weight spike (g) and test weight (1000 grain weight) (g) and grain yield (t/ha) and straw yield (t/ha) recorded significantly higher with F2- 100 % RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5t/ha treatments. Among the sub plot, M5- foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.25% + FeSO4 @ 0.25% at tillering and booting stages produced significantly maximum highest grain yield (5.95 t/ha) and straw yield (7.94 t/ha)

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management and Agronomic Biofortification on Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum. L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Students’ Instructional Farm of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology Kanpur, (U.P.) to assess the effect of organic source with foliar application of micronutrients on growth and yield of wheat for two consecutive years (2021-22) and (2022-23).The experiment comprises three treatment under main plot viz: F1- Control (100% RDF), F2- 100 % RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5t/ha, and F3- 100 % RDF + FYM @ 5t/ha, and five treatments foliar spray of micronutrient in sub plot viz: M1- control (No spray), M2- Foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.25% at tillering and booting stages, M3- Foliar spray of Nano Zinc @ 0.5% spray at tillering and booting stages, M4- Foliar spray of FeSO4 @ 0.25% at tillering and booting stages and M5- Foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.25% + FeSO4 @ 0.25% at tillering and booting stages. Fifteen treatment combination were assigned under Split Plot Design (SPD) and replicated thrice. Wheat variety (K- 1006) was grown with the recommended agronomic practices. Results showed that maximum increase in growth parameters and yield and yield attribute of wheat viz: plant height (cm), number of tillers/m2, leaf area index and spike length (cm), number of spikelets /spike and harvest index (%) and biological yield (ton ha-) recorded significantly higher with F2- 100 % RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5t/ha treatments Among the sub-plot , M5- Foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.25% + FeSO4 @ 0.25% at tillering and booting stages, produced significant maximum highest harvest index (42.77 %) and biological yield (13.88 ton /ha) as compared to all other treatments.

An Investigation of the Strength Properties of Fly Ash and Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer Mortars Containing Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotube, Nano Silica, and Nano Zinc

In this study, the mechanical properties of geopolymer mortar composites containing different nanomaterials were investigated. Metakaolin (MK) and fly ash (FA) were used as binders in geopolymer mortar samples. Sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution (12 M) were used as alkali activators. Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MW-CNT), nano-SiO2 (NS), and nano-ZnO (NZ) were used in the study. Geopolymer mortar samples without nanomaterials were determined as control samples, and geopolymer mortar samples containing 0.5% by weight of MW-CNT, NS, and NZ were prepared. All prepared samples were cured at 20±2 °C laboratory conditions for 7 days and 28 days. The curing geopolymer mortar samples were carried out with compressive strength and flexural strength tests. As a result of this study, the mechanical strength of all geopolymer mortar samples containing nanomaterials increased compared to the control samples. The highest compressive strength and flexural strength were obtained from geopolymer mortar samples containing MW-CNT. These samples were followed by geopolymer mortar samples containing NS and NZ, respectively.

Preparation of nano zinc oxide composite porous membrane and its material regulation

This paper introduces various preparation methods for nanoporous membranes composed of zinc oxide composites and addresses the low light transmittance issue commonly associated with existing methods. A nanoporous composite membrane, which utilizes PEG as an auxiliary agent, has been designed to optimize light transmittance. The experimental results indicate that the specific surface area of the nano zinc oxide composite porous membrane is [51.8 m2/g, 74.65 m2/g]. Within the interval, the pore volume is greater than 0.33 cm³/g. Within the range of [50 Å, 60 Å], the gas adsorption and separation performance are relatively higher. The nano zinc oxide composite porous film prepared with PEG has a transmittance of approximately 90%, demonstrating excellent transmission performance. These findings suggest that the designed composite membrane has strong performance characteristics, offering significant potential for further development and application in this field. It also offers useful reference and guidance for material preparation and optimization.

Green synthesis of nano zinc oxide using Phyllanthus emblica L. fruit extract and its impact on growth, pigment content and antioxidant enzyme activity of Brassica oleracea var italica

Green synthesis of nano zinc oxide using Phyllanthus emblica L. fruit extract and its impact on growth, pigment content and antioxidant enzyme activity of Brassica oleracea var italica

Influence of Nitrogen and Foliar Application of Nano Zinc on Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum)

The field experiment was conducted to find out the effect of Phosphorus and Iron on growth and yield of Wheatduring Rabi2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P). Totally there were ten treatments which were replicated thrice along with control plot. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design. Results that observed that Significant and higher plant height (91.47 cm), number of tillers / hill (7.60), plant dry weight (25.31 g), number of effective tillers/hill (6.00), grains/spike (49.80), test weight (43.40g), grain yield (5.90 t/ha) and straw yield (7.02 t/ha) and also maximum Gross returns (1,15,460.00INR/ha), Net returns (79,447.00INR/ha) and Benefit cost ratio (2.21) was also recorded in treatment 6 (Nitrogen 125% + Nano zinc 4ml).

Design and optimization of machinability of ZnO embedded-glass fiber reinforced polymer composites with a modified white shark optimizer

This study investigates the role of a newly developed metaheuristic algorithm on machinability (cutting force) and surface roughness of nano zinc oxide embedded glass fiber reinforced polymer composites (nZnO-GFRPC). A hybrid grey theory-white shark optimizer (Grey-WSO) algorithm is developed where grey theory combines output responses (surface roughness and cutting force) into a single objective function, and white shark is used to find the optimal responses. The novelty of the developed method is the compatibility of two different varieties of machine learning algorithms into one and the combination of two different responses, i.e., cutting force and surface roughness, into a single objective function. The influence of parameters, i.e., nanoparticles amount, fiber volume fraction and feed rate, is designed by Taguchi orthogonal array and their optimization is performed by Grey-WSO. The optimal results are achieved with 1 % ZnO (Weight %), 75 mm/min feed rate and 6.031 % fiber volume fraction, respectively. The optimum cutting force and surface roughness results were 197.64 N and 1.6765 μm, respectively. The validation of results shows that the output performance improved from 0.9414 to 0.9514, indicating the performance of the developed Grey-WSO with a 1.06% error. The developed algorithm was compared with other metaheuristics algorithms to demonstrate its potential to adopt in cutting, milling, shaping and other machining characteristics of composite materials. The results also confirm that nanoparticles amount is a highly influencing factor for surface roughness calculations.

Nano-priming with zinc and boron enhances seed germination and seedling vigour in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Nanotechnology is a broad and interdisciplinary area of research and development activity that has been growing at a rapid pace worldwide in the past few years. Recent manufacturing advancements have led to the fabrication of nanoparticles of different sizes and shapes. The new dimension in improving nutrient use efficiency is the use of nanoparticles which are used extensively in a wide range of sectors. Most investigations so far have focused on cereals and a very few studies have been done in sunflower. Hence, an attempt was done to standardize the concentration and soaking period by treating sunflower hybrid seeds with nano zinc and nano boron based on germination percentage and seedling vigour. The results showed that nano zinc @100ppm and nano boron @50ppm for one and a half hour soaking period significantly enhanced germination, higher seedling length with noticeably more secondary and tertiary roots over control and bulk nutrients and seedling vigour and there were no significant results at higher concentrations and longer soaking period. The use of nano nutrients can reduce the burden of excess zinc and boron fertilizer to soil.

Effect of Organic Manures and Nano Zinc on Growth and Yield of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2022 at CRF (Crop Research Farm), Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj, (UP). To study the “Effect of organic manures and Nano zinc on growth and yield of baby corn”. The soil of the experimental field is sandy loam in texture. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments each replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of three levels of Nano zinc (0.5 ml/l, 1 ml/l, 1.5 ml/l) and three levels of organic manures whose effect is observed in baby corn. The results revealed that the treatment with application of poultry manure 3.3 t/h + Nano zinc 1.5ml/l recorded higher plant height (191 cm), plant dry weight (99.60 g), number of cobs (3.73), cob length 21.95 cm, cob weight with husk 10.88 g, cob yield without husk 6.38 t/h, green fodder yield 36.10 t/h and harvest index (39.03%). The economics viz., maximum gross returns (1,81,170.00 INR/ha), net returns (1,20,155.00 INR/ha) and B:C (1.97) was also recorded in treatment 9 with application of poultry manure 3.3t/h + Nano zinc 1.5 ml/l.

Effect of Organic Manures and Nano Zinc on Growth and Yield of Wheat

A field experiment was carried out during Rabi season 2022 at experimental field of Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH7.3), low in organic carbon (0.48%), available nitrogen (230 kg/ha), available phosphorus (13.60 kg/ha) and available potassium (215.4 kg/ha). The treatments consist of organic manures (FYM 10t/ha, panchagavya 3%, FYM 5t/ha + panchagavya 1.5%) and nano zinc (30, 40, 50 ppm) along with control plot (Recommended Dose Fertilizer). The experiment was layout in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten treatments each replicated thrice. Higher plant height (91.90 cm), higher plant dry weight (27.27 g), number of tillers/hill (8.67), Crop Growth Rate (11.82), grains/spike (45.12), effective tillers/row meter (73.57), Spikes/running row meter (77.57), grain yield (6.01 t/ha), straw yield (8.49 t/ha), maximum gross return (127712.50 INR/ha), net return (85765.70 INR/ha) and B:C ratio (2.04) were also obtained highest in the treatment 9 [FYM 5t/ha + Panchagavya 1.5% + Nano-zinc 50ppm].

Synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives and Zolimidine via a novel zinc/iodine-catalyzed Ortoleva-King type protocol

Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines belong to a class of heterocyclic motifs possessing unique structural and pharmacological properties making them an interesting and promising domain in the fields of drug discovery and medicinal chemistry. These molecules have witnessed many fascinating strategies for their synthesis due to their versatile attribute. We herein put forward, the first zinc-catalyzed Ortoleva-King type reaction for the synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines. The reaction design involves the use of easily accessible and economical nano zinc oxide and molecular iodine as the catalytic dyad. Diverse acetophenones and 2-aminopyridines were used as substrates and the reaction was observed to be general fostering moderate to good results. Furthermore, we could synthesize Zolimidine (a gastro-protectant) via this one-pot reaction design as a validation to its efficacy in the pharmaceutical world.

Influence of Nano Zinc Foliar Application on Yield and Economics of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) in Telangana, India

The Field experiment was conducted at College farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during rabi season of 2022 on zinc deficient soils to evaluate the effect of nano zinc on growth, yield and quality of sweet corn. The study included 9 treatments with 3 forms of Zn fertilizer viz., ZnSO4, Zn EDTA and Nano Zn. Results of the study indicated that foliar application of Zn EDTA at 5 g L-1 produced significantly highest yield parameters, cob yield (15.5 t ha-1), fodder yield (20.4 t ha-1), while the highest B:C ratio of 2.11 was associated with basal application of ZnSO4 at 25 kg ha-1. Foliar application of Nano Zinc performed significantly superior over control; however, it was not comparable with the most superior treatment (T9). Hence 100% basal application of Zinc could be recommended in Zn deficient soils of Telangana for higher returns.

Counteract severe heat stress by including different forms of zinc in the rabbit bucks’ diet

The harmful influences of global warming on rabbit reproduction and industry attract global attention. Zinc (Zn) is an important trace element with a wide list of functions in the male reproductive system. The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of different forms of zinc supplementation, as organic (Zn methionine), nano (nano Zn oxide) as indirect way to minimized it impact on environment, and inorganic (Zn sulphate) on physiological parameters, semen quality, anti-oxidative status, hormonal profiles of male rabbits subjected to server heat stress. Thirty-six V-line bucks (6–7 months old, 2842.29 ± 34.46 g weight) were randomly distributed to 4 groups, bucks in 1st group (control group, Con) fed basal diet without Zn supplementation, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups fed basial diet with 30 mg/kg of zinc methionine (Zn-Met), nano zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs), and zinc sulphate (Zn-S), respectively for a period of 10 weeks suffered from severe heat stress of environmental ambient temperature (over 32 of temperature humidity index, THI). Semen samples were collected and evaluated for volume, pH, motility, concentration, viability, initial fructose, and seminal plasma antioxidant concentration. Liver, kidney function, hormonal and antioxidant profile were measured in blood serum. The results revealed that, compared to control, all forms of Zn supplementation used significantly improved kidney function (creatinine), serum antioxidant (SOD and CAT), physiological parameters, especially on 1st month of the experiment, and seminal plasma antioxidant (SOD and CAT) of heat stressed bucks. Likewise, semen quality in terms of sperm concentration, sperm viability, and initial fructose enhanced significantly (P ≤ 0.05) by ZnO-NPs supplementation. Zinc methionine supplementation significantly improved liver function and decreased seminal plasma TBARs. Treatments with Zn-Met and ZnO-NPs increased seminal TAC and blood testosterone levels with reduced blood cortisol levels compared to other groups. Severe heat stress could be counteract by inclusion Zn with studied forms Zn-Met and ZnO-NPs at recommended dose (30 mg/kg diet) to improve semen quality and antioxidant status.

Is India’s largest fertilizer manufacturer misleading farmers and society using dubious plant and soil science?

Background and AimsThe accessibility and relatively low cost of nitrogen (N) fertilizers have been a gift to humankind and made it possible to feed the exponentially growing world population. The excessive use of N, in combination with a poor N use efficiency (NUE) in crop production, is associated with severe environmental impacts, and the scientific community has repeatedly warned that the safe operating space for N within the planetary boundaries has been exceeded. In the light of these considerations, a global player and India’s largest fertilizer manufacturer, the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO), has recently developed and patented a nanotechnology-based fertilizer marketed as Nano Urea (liquid). Strikingly, the producers state that it is now possible to replace a 45 kg bag of conventional urea, containing 21 kg N, by foliar application of just 20 g N in the form of nano urea (NU). If so, N from this novel high-tech fertilizer product should be able to increase the NUE of crops more than 1000 times compared to conventional urea. This year, the Indian government and IFFCO announced plans to massively boost production by building 10 new factories, with an annual production capacity of 440 million bottles NU by 2025 and to expand export of the product to another 25 countries, mainly situated in Asia, Africa and South-America. In the marketing of NU, IFFCO states that there is scientific evidence for distinct beneficial properties in terms of higher crop yields and reduced negative environmental impacts. Similar ambitions have recently been presented for Nano Zinc, Nano Copper, and Nano Di-Ammonium-Phosphate, a product that entered the market in March 2023.MethodsIn this Opinion Paper, we compare the claims made by IFFCO scientists to the existing scientific evidence in the field of foliar nanofertilizers.ResultsWe observe that NU is a poorly described product with no scientifically proven effects. The product is marketed with misleading and wrong statements about its fertilizer efficiency, the underlying plant uptake pathways, and the environmental friendliness.ConclusionThe expectations raised by IFFCO are far from reality and may lead to large-scale yield losses with serious consequences for food security and the livelihood of farmers. At the same time, the confidence in innovative sustainable products as well as the science behind them may be threatened. Based on the IFFCO case, and considering the booming emergence of novel nano based fertilizers appearing all over the world these years, it is clear that much more priority should be given to scientifically prove their efficacy and mode of action, before they are launched on the markets.

Effect of Traditional Fertilizer, Nano-Fertilizer and Micronutrient on Growth, Yield and Quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

A trial was conducted at the Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj (UP) during 2022. This study investigates the “Effect of traditional fertilizer, nano fertilizer and micronutrient on growth, yield and quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).” The purpose of the study is to evaluate the plants in terms of various parameters such as plant height, survival percentage, days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, number of flower clusters per plant, number of fruit set per cluster, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per hectare, total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid, and benefit-cost ratio. The study's findings show that applying more NPK, ZnSO4, and Nano Zinc to the soil dramatically increased tomato growth and yield. The plants treated with 100% NPK + 25% ZnSO4 by the conventional approach + 75% spray through Nano zinc had the maximum fruit yield (135.57 t/ha), fruit weight (88.407 g), TSS (5.36 Brix), and ascorbic acid content (26.4 mg/100g). Additionally, it was discovered that the treated plants' benefit-cost ratio was larger than the control's. Overall, the study indicates that increasing the growth, yield, and quality of tomatoes can be accomplished by applying 100% NPK + 25% ZnSO4 by traditional technique + 75% spray via Nano zinc.