Biogenic CuO and ZnO Nanoparticles as Nanofertilizers for Sustainable Growth of Amaranthus hybridus

Abstract

The biogenic synthesis of CuO and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) was carried out by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The shape, size, and chemical identity of the CuO and ZnO NPs were determined using FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and TEM analysis. The study aimed to investigate the effects of the CuO and ZnO NPs on Amaranthus hybridus seed germination and plant growth. Two different fertilizer application modes (hydroponics and foliar) were studied with varying concentrations of CuO (0.06 µM, 0.12 µM) and ZnO (0.12 µM, 0.24 µM) nanoparticles with water control and Hoagland’s media control. The hydroponic system of fertilizer application demonstrated better efficiency in terms of plant growth as compared to the foliar application. The agronomic traits, SPAD value, total reducing sugars, antioxidant activity, amount of copper, and zinc ions in root and shoot were analyzed for all experimental plants and found better with the nanoparticle application. The highlight of the study is the application of extremely low concentrations of CuO and ZnO nanoparticles, almost 70% lower than the copper and zinc salts in the Hoagland’s medium for improved plant growth. The use of lower concentrations of nanoparticles can prevent their accumulation in the environment and also lower the production cost. The high antioxidant concentration exhibited by the plants treated with CuO and ZnO nanoparticles ensures the enhanced plant’s resistance to infections and pests while promoting plant growth.

Recent advances in nano-fertilizers: synthesis, crop yield impact, and economic analysis

“…The results demonstrated the negative impact of CuO nanoparticles on seed germination, with a decrease of 71.33% for the control group to as low as 5.7% with increased CuO concentrations. 164 Ndaba et al 165 examine the impact of iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized from an extract of African mugwort (Artemisia afra) leaves on the germination of spinach. The nanoparticles were tested at different concentrations (5, 10, 30, 50, 100, and 150 ppm) and significantly improved the length of spinach and carrot roots and shoots, with the best results obtained at the lowest concentration (5 ppm) Fig.…”

“…The results demonstrated the negative impact of CuO nanoparticles on seed germination, with a decrease of 71.33% for the control group to as low as 5.7% with increased CuO concentrations. 164…”

Antimicrobial Activity of Biogenic Metal Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Synergistic Effect on Clinical Pathogens

“…The peaks around 3450 cm −1 have been attributed to the stretching vibrations of amide I superimposed on the side of the hydroxyl group band, which supports the existence of the proteins and, consequently, the biosynthesis of WO 3 , CuO, and ZnO nanoparticles. SEM analysis revealed that the morphology of CuO, ZnO, and WO 3 nanoparticles was spherical and less than 100 nm ( Figure S3a–c ) [ 17 , 18 , 19 ].…”

Nanopriming Action of Microwave-Assisted Biofunctionalized ZnO Nanoparticles to Enhance the Growth under Moisture Stress in Vigna radiata

“…ZnO NPs could be an innovative nanofertilizer to add Zn to the required soil . According to Francis et al, ZnO NPs on plants at 0.12 and 0.24 M exhibit significant antioxidant concentrations, ensuring better plant protection from diseases and pests and boosting plant growth . To improve plant and Zn nutrient growth for agricultural sustainability, Itroutwar et al synthesized biogenic ZnO NPs as an efficient nanopriming agent for seed treatment …”

“…26 According to Francis et al, ZnO NPs on plants at 0.12 and 0.24 M exhibit significant antioxidant concentrations, ensuring better plant protection from diseases and pests and boosting plant growth. 27 To improve plant and Zn nutrient growth for agricultural sustainability, Itroutwar et al synthesized biogenic ZnO NPs as an efficient nanopriming agent for seed treatment. 28 Generally, the seed goes through many metabolic changes throughout the germination period.…”