Nano Zn Research Articles

Comparing the individual and combined effects of nano zinc and conventional zinc fertilization on growth, yield, phytochemical properties, antioxidant activity, and secoisolariciresinol diglucoside content in linseed

Zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), a conventional Zn fertilizer, is widely used due to its high solubility and ease of application. In contrast, nano Zn represents an innovative approach, utilizing nanoscale particles to enhance Zn bioavailability and uptake efficiency. This study compares these two Zn fertilizers regarding their impact on plant growth, yield, Zn uptake, and overall crop quality. In our study, we explored the potential of nano Zn and ZnSO4 by applying two different doses of each (100, 1000 ppm ZnO NP and 30, 50 kg ha−1 ZnSO4) both individually and in combination, to linseed accession. The results obtained showed the potential of nano Zn over conventional Zn fertilizer in terms of enhanced linseed growth and yield together with greater antioxidants enzyme, oil content, protein content, Zn accumulation, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) content, and the accumulation of bioactive metabolites. Nanoscale ZnO (with particle size less than 100 nm) at a 1000 ppm concentration sped up growth, yield, increased SDG content, and antioxidant activity. However, when nano Zn (1000 ppm) was applied in combination with ZnSO4 (30 kg ha−1), it maximally enhanced plant fresh and dry weight, photosynthesis, and yield compared to their individual treatment. The combined application increased seed yield by 4.55 folds compared to the control. The treated plants were assessed for SDG content using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (LC-MS), which showed maximum increase with 1000 ppm ZnO NP. SDG is a type of lignan known for their antioxidant properties and potential health benefits paving way for its pharmaceutical importance.

Effect of Foliar Application of Nano fertilizers on Soil Properties of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Under Western UP, India

An experiment was conducted during kharif 2022 and 2023 at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, to study the Effect of Foliar Application of Nano on Soil properties of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Under Western UP. The investigation was carried out with fourteen treatments viz. Control, RDF (N:P:K-120:60:40 kg ha-1 + 25 kg zinc sulphate), 100% RDF + Nano urea, 100% RDF + Nano potash, 100% RDF + Nano Zn, 100% RDF + Nano urea + Nano potash + Nano Zn, 75% RDF + Nano urea, 75% RDF + Nano potash, 75% RDF + Nano Zn, 75% RDF + Nano urea + Nano potash + Nano Zn, 50% RDF + Nano urea, 50% RDF + Nano potash, 50% RDF + Nano Zn and 50% RDF + Nano urea + Nano potash + Nano Zn. The nano fertilizers were applied at tillering stage (35 DAT). Result revealed that highest soil properties viz., organic matter % (0.48 & 0.52), available nitrogen (225.6 & 228.7 kg ha-1), available phosphorus (19.5 & 20.7 kg ha-1), available potassium (235.6 & 233.8 kg ha-1) and available zinc (0.80 & 0.83 g ha-1) were recorded with application of 100% RDF + Nano urea + Nano potash + Nano Zn spray at tillering stage (35 DAT) respectively, during both the years. The lowest values of these parameters were recorded under control treatment.

Efficacy of Nano-fertilizers Applications on Growth Parameters and Flowering Dynamics in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of foliar nano-fertilizers on the growth and flowering of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) during the Zaid seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 at the Vegetable Research Farm, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. A Factorial Randomized Block Design with 15 treatment combinations and three replications was employed, utilizing five major nutrients and three levels of micronutrients. The combination of 75% recommended soil applied NPK with foliar nano NPK (4 ml/L) and nano Zn and Fe (1g/4L) showed maximum improvements in growth parameters, including plant height (120.35cm), number of leaves/plant (55.38), number of nodes/plant (15.30), number of branches/plant (4.61), stem diameter (2.77cm) and minimum inter-nodal length (7.67cm) and flowering traits such as earlier first flowering (39.88 days), days to 50% flowering (44.36days) and increased flower production (22.60 flowers/plant).

Organic Zn and nano-Zn amino acids chelates modulate quality growth attributes and antioxidants activity for biofortified apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) production

Zinc biofortification increase nutritional content of crops to combat Zn deficiency in human diets. Foliar Zn bio-organics can significantly improve Zn content of fruit crops. This method is efficient, can be tailored to specific crop needs, and is crucial for enhancing the nutritional quality of food crops, contributing to better human health outcomes. In order to evaluate the efficacy of foliar sprays in promoting plant growth and development, the study evaluated the comparative efficacy of zinc amino acid complexes with zinc sulphate in apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) cv. Gala Schniga Schnico during the years 2022 and 2023. Different Zn nutrient sources namely, Zn glycinate (Zn-Gly), Zn gluconate (Zn-Glu), Zn amino acid chelate (Zn-AAC), nano Zn amino acid chelate (NZn-AAC) were applied at the rate of 200 and 400 mg/L each and conventional ZnSO4 at 1250 mg/L with three replicates. Foliar application of the Zn nutrient sources was executed at four stages i.e., 15 days before petal fall, petal fall, 15 days after petal fall, and after harvest. The results revealed that NZn-AAC at 400 mg kg-1 registered the maximum increase in vegetative growth and flowering traits. The superior treatment also exhibited highest fruit set (62.90 %) and fruit yield (5.62 kg/tree) in apple. Fruit quality parameters, in terms of TSS, total sugars, ascorbic acid and anthocyanin contents were increased by 22.9, 17.8, 50.2, and 16.6 per cent, respectively through superior treatment. Fruit flesh and peel nutrient content in terms of P, K, Ca, Mg and Zn also showed improvement through NZn-AAC400 compared to control. Maximum decrease in phytic acid (1.09 %) and increase in ursolic acid (273.95 µg/mL) were also reported with NZn-AAC400. The differences between Zn nutrient sources were analysed using PCA, which explained 95.70 per cent (PC1), 97.81 per cent (PC2), 99.11 per cent (PC3), 99.42 per cent (PC4) and 99.63 per cent (PC5) of the cumulative variance based on Eigen value (>1). In accordance with the results, Zn amino acid complexes emerged as beneficial environment-friendly Zn source for improving growth, fruit yield, quality with higher Zn bio-availability compared to ZnSO4.

Molecular docking of nano Zn capped by rhamnolipids

Rhamnolipids has been used as capping agent for ZnO nanoparticles to improving the plant micronutrition. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using co-precipitation method, and the prepared nanoparticles were capped with Rhamnolipids. The structural, morphological, optical, and particle stability characteristics of the chelated ZnO nanoparticles were investigated. UV–vis spectroscopy was used to investigate the optical properties of ZnO and Rhamnolipids capped ZnO nanoparticles. The stability of Rhamnolipids capped ZnO nanoparticles is higher (38.45 mV) than that of ZnO nanoparticles alone (32.3 mV). The Zn mineral nutrition in plants is improved by Rhamnolipids capped ZnO nanoparticles. In order to get a broad understanding of the binding of capped ZnO nanoparticles, a detailed molecular docking analysis was taken up. Molecular docking analysis reveals that the binding of Zn atom to LasI protein receptor has more neighboring group amino acid residues and greater binding affinity than the binding to LasR receptor.

Effect of Foliar Application of Nano and Non-Nano Fertilizers on Growth and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Indian Mustard [Brassica Juncea (L.) Czern and Coss

An experiment was conducted during rabi 2020-21 at the SVPUA&T, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, to study the Effect of foliar application of nano and non-nano fertilizers on growth and nutrient use efficiency of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss]. The investigation was carried out in randomized block design with three replications and 12 treatments of nutrient management practices viz., Control, N-P-K & S (120-40-40 & 20 kg/ha), 100% NPK & S + Zn 5 kg/ha, 100% NPK & S + Bio-stimulants, 100% NPK & S + Nano Zn, 75% NPK & S + NPK Consortia seed treatment, 75% NPK & S + Nano N, 75% NPK & S + Nano N + Nano Zn, 75% NPK & S + NPK Consortia seed treatment + Nano Zn, 75% NPKS + NPK (18:18:18), 75% NPKS + NPK (18:18:18) + Bio-stimulants and 75% NPK & S + Zn 5 kg/ha + Bio-stimulants + Nano N + Nano Zn. The highest growth parameter viz., plant height (216.16 cm), dry matter accumulation (102.7 g/plant) were recorded with treatment 100% NPK & S + Nano Zn whereas, the highest nutrient use efficiency was recorded with treatment 75% NPK & S + Zn 5 kg/ha + Bio-stimulants + Nano N + Nano Zn.

Soil and Foliar Application of Zn and Fe Impact on Growth, Grain Yield and Seed Quality of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted in kharif season of 2021-22 at Village Nuapur, Tal. Sadar, Dist.Balasore, (Odisha) through Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry College of Agriculture, Badnapur, VNMKV, Parbhani, with an objective to study the Soil and foliar application of zinc and iron impact on growth, grain yield and seed quality of rice (Oryza sativa L.).The treatment were tested in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 4 replications i.e., T1-RDF, T2-RDF+Nano Zn(0.5% foliar spray at 30 DAS ) , T3-RDF+Nano Fe (0.5% foliar spray at 30 DAS) , T4-RDF + Nano Fe+Nano Zn(0.5% foliar spray at 30 DAS) , T5- RDF + ZnSO4 (25 kg ha-1 soil application),T6-RDF+FeSO4(25 kg ha-1 soil application), T7-RDF+ZnSO4+FeSO4(25 kg ha-1 soil application).The result emerged out clearly indicated the significantly higher plant height (128.2 cm) was noted at harvest stage with treatment T7: RDF+ZnSO4+FeSO4 (25 kg ha-1 soil application) among all treatments. Significantly higher number of tillers plants-1 (16.5), effective tillers per square meter (337), panicle length (31.2cm) and number of grains per panicle (188) maximum grain and straw yield of rice (47.9 and 62.5 q ha-1) at harvest stage were recorded in T4 : RDF+ Nano Fe + Nano Zn (0.5%foliar spray at 30 DAS. In grain quality the maximum test weight (24.2g), highest starch content (86.4%) was obtained with treatment T4: RDF + Nano Fe + Nano Zn(0.5%foliar spray at 30 DAS).

Effect of Nano Zinc on Growth and Quality of Sweet Corn in Southern Telangana Zone, India

The field experiment was conducted at the College farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during rabi season of 2022 with an objective to assess the impact of nano zinc on the growth, yield and quality of sweet corn in Zinc deficient soil. The experiment included 9 treatments with three forms of Zn fertilizer viz., ZnSO4, Zn EDTA and Nano Zn. The results of the study revealed that foliar application of Zn EDTA at 5 g L-1 recorded significantly highest values for growth, Zn uptake and quality parameters while soil application of ZnSO4 at 25 kg ha-1 was the second best treatment. Foliar application of Nano Zinc was significantly superior to the control; however, it was not comparable to the most effective treatment (T9).

Novel Nano Zn+2-Compound from LA Ligand as an Acid-Base Indicator: Synthesis, Characterization, pH Sensor, and Fluorescent Study

The main goal of our research is to synthesize novel nano Zn2+ complex with the 8-(2-(dansyl chloride)azo) adenine (LA) ligand as a pH sensor because of its advantageous properties, obtained from a single molecule. The Zn2⁺- LA complex was based on the production of an intensely dark purple-colored substance with λmax at 552 nm. Molar ratio of Zn2⁺- LA complex is a 1:2 in aqueous buffer. The optimum concentration (0.3) mM, pH (2-5.5), and time (0-3) hr at pH=5.5, that in the studies followed Lambert-law Beer'

Increasing the Vase Life of Chrysanthemum Cut Flowers by Using Silver and Zinc Nanoparticles.

Cut flowers are horticultural products that have great potential to be developed. Efforts to maintain quality and extend the shelf life of cut flowers are very important to obtain a product that is accepted in the market. The main problems of chrysanthemum cut flowers are the leaves easily turning yellow, wilting, and failure to fully open flowers. This study aimed to obtain the best pulsing solution formulation that increases vase life and maintains the freshness of chrysanthemum cut flowers. Pulsing solution treatment was carried out on chrysanthemum cut flowers during the evaluation period. Pulsing solution treatment consisted of control, AgNO3, nano-Ag (NAg), ZnO, and nano-Zn (NZn). The results showed that NAg20 treatment increased the vase life of chrysanthemum cut flowers up to 23 days, which was 19 days longer than the control. Nano-Ag inhibits bacterial growth, flower wilting, color degradation, and carotenoids. In addition, nano-Ag increased the size of the bloom-flower diameter. Considering the results of all postharvest quality parameters mentioned above, NAg20 extends the vase life of chrysanthemum cut flowers.

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.

Achieving a high-strength ZK60 alloy by introducing nano solute clusters

In this work, we introduce a microstructure with high-density nano solute clusters by rolling at 100 °C to efficiently fabricate a high-strength ZK60 alloy plate. High yield strength of 336 MPa is achieved. The rolling process at 100 °C facilitates the formation of high-density dislocations and nano substructures, which causes the formation of high-density nano Zn solute clusters. The high strength is mainly attributed to the formation of high-density nano solute clusters, dislocations, and nano substructures. The finding of nano clusters shed light on designing high-strength Mg alloys, and the applied conventional rolling can be readily implemented in industrial production.

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.

Effects of foliar spray of nano-micronutrient and growth regulators on safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) performance

Nanoparticles have unique properties and providing nutrients in the form of nanoparticles may increase the effectiveness of chemical fertilizers. The current study aimed to streamline the relevance between soil nutrient management and the efficiency of foliar spray by growth regulators or nano micronutrients. A field trial was performed to evaluate the impacts of different fertilizers (control, 20 t ha−1 farmyard manure: FYM, 200 kg ha−1 NPK fertilizer) and foliar spray (distilled water as control, choline, salicylic acid, chitosan, and nano Zn+Fe) on growth and seed yield component of safflower. The results showed that most of the assessed agronomic traits showed different responses to fertilizers and foliar sprays. The utilization of FYM and chemical fertilizers increased the plant height (by 5.38% and 7.26%) over the control. Foliar spray of choline and nano Zn+Fe increased the number of primary branches under inorganic by 49% and 21% and their improved number of primary branches under FYM applied condition by 54% and 39%. The largest lateral growth of the canopy and the highest number of capitula was obtained by applying FYM and foliar spray of chitosan and nano Zn+Fe and these foliar treatments increased the lateral growth of the canopy by 23% and 18% over control. The highest seed number in the secondary capitula was obtained by utilization of NPK fertilizer and foliar spray of chitosan and choline. The highest seed yield was related to plants grown by NPK fertilizer and sprayed with chitosan, choline, or nano Zn+Fe (1145, 1231, and 985 Kg ha−1, respectively). Overall, the positive effect of Zn+Fe nanoparticles is strongly dependent on soil conditions, and the best efficiency of nanoparticles was observed in soils that have previously received suitable organic and chemical fertilizers.

Biofortification and Enhancement in Nutrient Uptake in Maize (Zea mays L.) through the Foliar Application of Nanofertilizers

Nanotechnology based biofortification may be the most sustainable solution to combat the nutrient deficiency in humans. Nanofertilizers due to their unique properties, serve as potential sources of nutrients for the biofortification of crops. A field experiment study was conducted during June- October in kharif 2020 with the aim to examine the effect of foliar application of nanofertilizers (N, Zn and Cu) on nutrient content and uptake by grain and stover of maize (Zea mays L.) crop at Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan. The present investigation was carried out in Randomized Block Design having 12 treatments which were replicated three times. The maize crop was treated either with conventional fertilizers or with the combination of nanofertilizers (N+Zn or N+Zn+Cu) or with both 50 % conventional plus nanofertilizers. The significantly highest nutrient (N, K, Zn and Cu) content and uptake by maize grain and stover was recorded under the combined application of 50% conventional plus nanofertilizers i.e.,T12 (100% PK + 50% NZn + two sprays of nano N + nano Zn + nano Cu) over control. However, the application of 100% PK + 50% NZn + two sprays of nano N + nano Zn + nano Cu (T12) remained statistically at par with 100% PK + 50% NZn + two sprays of nano N + nano Zn (T11) in N, K and Zn content and uptake by maize grain and stover. Whereas, the highest P content was found under control and highest P uptake was recorded with application of 100% NPK (T3). Thus, foliar application of 100% PK + 50% NZn + two sprays of nano N + nano Zn + nano Cu (T12) may be a viable option to increase the N, K, Zn and Cu content and uptake of by grain and stover of maize.

Soil Properties of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Crop as Affected by Zinc-Based Fertilizers

The field experiment conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2021-22 at the Agricultural Research Sub-station in Vallabhnagar, Udaipur, Rajasthan, aimed to assess the influence of zinc-based fertilizers on soil properties including chemical and biological properties after harvest of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) crop. The experimental design followed a split plot arrangement, with main plot treatments consisting of a control, 5 kg Zn per hectare as soil application, and seed treatment with zinc solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) at a rate of 5 ml per kg of seed. The sub plot treatments included a control and three foliar sprays of nano Zn at 5 ml per litre of water, applied at 15, 30, and 45 days after sowing. Each treatment was replicated three times. The soil application of zinc @ 5 kg Zn ha-1 along with foliar spray of nano Zn @ 5 ml per litre of water at 45 days after sowing had significantly influenced availability of macronutrients (N and K), micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu) as well as microbial population (bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes) in post-harvest soil of barley crop over control. The combined application of conventional zinc fertilizer and foliar spray of nano zinc offers a promising strategy to improve nutrient availability and enhance soil microbial population in soil after the harvest of barley crop.

Nano metal complexes of a new carbohydrazone based ligand as potential antitumor agents: Structural elucidation, thermal behavior, molecular modeling, docking simulation, DNA cleavage, and AC conductivity studies

New carbohydrazone ligand DCCHP, were prepared by condensing 5,6-diphenyl-4-carbohydrazide-3(2H)-pyridazinone and 3-formyl chromone. Moreover, the new nano Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Fe(III) complexes, and oxovanadium(IV), dioxouranium(VI) complexes of the ligand DCCHP, in addition of new mixed-ligand complexes using 8-HQ or 2,2′-bipy as an auxiliary ligand, were synthesized. The newly synthesized compounds have been characterized using a variety of analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The results showed that the ligand acted as tridentate towards the metal ions. The complexes exhibited octahedral geometries. According to TEM analysis, the particles of the investigated complexes were located at the nanoscale with spherical and stick shaped. The computational molecular properties revealed that the examined metal complexes may have higher chemical reactivity than the free ligand. The inhibitory activity of the investigated compounds with DNA molecules [of the dodecamer sequence (PDB ID: 1BNA)] were studies by molecular docking simulation. The docking findings showed strong interactions of both the ligand and its Cu(II) complex 7 with DNA. The results of antimicrobial activities showed enhancement in activity of the free ligand upon coordination with the metal ions. Moreover, the nano Cu(II) complex 9 and the nano Zn(II) complex 12 exhibited strong antitumor activities against Hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG-2 cells) with IC50 values smaller than the standard drug cis-platin and may be act as promising antitumor agents against HepG-2 cells. The DNA cleavage investigation demonstrated the capacity of the ligand and its nano Cu(II) complex 7 to destroy DNA. The electrical conductivity study in solid-state confirmed that the ligand and its Cu(II) complexes had semiconducting properties.

Integrated use of plant growth-promoting bacteria and nano-zinc foliar spray is a sustainable approach for wheat biofortification, yield, and zinc use efficiency.

The intensive cropping system and imbalance use of chemical fertilizers to pursue high grain production and feed the fast-growing global population has disturbed agricultural sustainability and nutritional security. Understanding micronutrient fertilizer management especially zinc (Zn) through foliar application is a crucial agronomic approach that could improve agronomic biofortification of staple grain crops. The use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPBs) is considered as one of the sustainable and safe strategies that could improve nutrient acquisition and uptake in edible tissues of wheat to combat Zn malnutrition and hidden hunger in humans. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the best-performing PGPB inoculants in combination with nano-Zn foliar application on the growth, grain yield, and concentration of Zn in shoots and grains, Zn use efficiencies, and estimated Zn intake under wheat cultivation in the tropical savannah of Brazil. The treatments consisted of four PGPB inoculations (without inoculation, Azospirillum brasilense, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas fluorescens, applied by seeds) and five Zn doses (0, 0.75, 1.5, 3, and 6 kg ha-1, applied from nano ZnO in two splits by leaf). Inoculation of B. subtilis and P. fluorescens in combination with 1.5 kg ha-1 foliar nano-Zn fertilization increased the concentration of Zn, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the shoot and grain of wheat in the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. Shoot dry matter was increased by 5.3% and 5.4% with the inoculation of P. fluorescens, which was statistically not different from the treatments with inoculation of B. subtilis as compared to control. The grain yield of wheat was increased with increasing nano-Zn foliar application up to 5 kg Zn ha-1 with the inoculation of A. brasilense in 2019, and foliar nano-Zn up to a dose of 1.5 kg ha-1 along with the inoculation of P. fluorescens in the 2020 cropping season. The zinc partitioning index was increased with increasing nano Zn application up to 3 kg ha-1 along with the inoculation of P. fluorescens. Zinc use efficiency and applied Zn recovery were improved at low doses of nano-Zn application in combination with the inoculation of A. brasilense, B. subtilis, and P. fluorescens, respectively, as compared to control. Therefore, inoculation with B. subtilis and P. fluorescens along with foliar nano-Zn application is considered a sustainable and environmentally safe strategy to increase nutrition, growth, productivity, and Zn biofortification of wheat in tropical savannah.