Evaluation of metal nano-particles as growth promoters and fungi inhibitors for cereal crops

Abstract

Background Nano-particles of metals can be routinely synthesized. The cereal seeds treatment with the particles can improve early growth and crop production. Moreover, the treatment is robust and economical. Methods Metal (Fe0, Cu0, Co0), zinc oxide (ZnO) and chitosan-stabilized silver nano-particles were synthesized and applied to cereal seeds. The germination rate, early plant development and inhibition effects on pathogenic fungi were quantified. Results It was found that all nano-particles had a positive effect on the development of healthy cereal seedlings. In particular, the length of the above-ground part of the seedlings was increased by 8–22%. The highest inhibition effect was observed on Helminthosporium teres with the application of Co0 and chitosan-Ag. Pre-sowing treatment with metal nano-particles reduced the number of infected grains by two times for wheat and 3.6 times for barley. The application also increases the chlorophylls and carotenoids in both uninfected and infected seedlings. Conclusions The results demonstrated a robust application of nano-particles in improving cereal production. Graphical Abstract

The Effect of Bio-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles on Germination, Early Seedling Development, and Metabolome of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

“…Metal oxide NPs and metal NPs, due to their antimicrobial properties, have the ability to control and combat both plant pests and phytopathogens. Therefore, the application of nanoparticles of zinc oxide (ZnO NPs), titanium dioxide (TiO 2 NPs), copper (Cu NPs), and silver (Ag NPs) for plant disease management is currently a major part of phytonanotechnology in agriculture [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. However, the use of NPs as fungicides, bactericides, and insecticides can also affect plants [ 11 ] and can contaminate the environment, agricultural products, and food itself [ 12 ].…”

“…Due to their small size and high surface activity, metallic NPs are mostly harmful to organisms as they readily cross biological membranes, exhibiting immediate or delayed toxic effects [ 12 , 13 ]. The effects of NPs on plants depend both on their chemical nature, size, shape, coating agents, and concentration, as well as on the plant species and its developmental stage [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Therefore, the safety of the use of metal NPs in crops requires detailed studies.…”

Study of nerve cell regeneration on nanofibers containing cerium oxide nanoparticles in a spinal cord injury model in rats

“…Recently, study of metal nanoparticles has become the focus of intense research due to their unusual properties compared to bulk metals, especially since they are used either to inhibit the growth of microorganisms [32][33][34][35], cancer cells [36], or to stimulate the growth of plant [37,38] and animal cells [39,40] and also in this way affect the production of many intermediate molecules [41]. Researchers have shown that the metal nanoparticles, that can act as anchors to the substrate, improve nerve-tosubstrate interactions, leading to controlled nerve cell growth [42,43].…”

Novel carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) fromCatharanthus roseuspetals for metal ion sensing and root growth modulation

“…and Hordeum vulgare L . by 8-22%, with the alleviation in the chlorophylls and carotenoids levels (Hoang et al, 2022). NPs synthesized from SiO 2 at different concentrations have affected plant growth in many ways, promoting seed germination in tomatoes, seed sprouting in Maize, and enhanced antioxidant activity in tomatoes and squash.…”