Manganese Nanoparticles Control Salinity-Modulated Molecular Responses in Capsicum annuum L. through Priming: A Sustainable Approach for Agriculture

Abstract

The application of nanomaterials as a method to overcome plant stress and increase crop yield is relatively new as compared to the use of fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural production. In the present study, manganese (III) oxide nanoparticles (MnNPs) were investigated as a nanopriming agent to alleviate salinity stress in Capsicum annuum L. during germination at 100 mM NaCl. In general, the root growth in both nonsalt and salt-stressed seedlings was significantly improved by MnNPs (0.1, 0.5, 1 mg/L). Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy showed the penetration of MnNPs through the seed coat and the formation of nanoparticle–corona complex. MnNPs have different surface chemistries when present in water or NaCl, which may lead to their different affinities to proteins and alter the N–H bonding according to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Salt stress inhibited root growth, induced proteins and lignin pattern changes, and redistributed the manganese, sodium, potassium, and calcium contents between the shoot and root. However, neither the redistributions nor manganese superoxide dismutase expression were affected by MnNPs but by MnSO4. This study describes how nanopriming elicits compositional changes and molecular interactions among key biomolecules and implies the role of MnNPs in plant salt stress management in order to promote sustainable agriculture.

Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles as Safer Seed Priming Agent to Improve Chlorophyll and Antioxidant Profiles in Watermelon Seedlings

“…A previous study reported that MnO-NPs had no considerable impact on seed germination [ 33 ]. However, they improved the seedling growth in lettuce and increased root growth in Capsicum annuum L. [ 33 , 39 ]. We also investigated the effects of the different MnO-NPs priming treatments on seedling growth in the diploid and triploid varieties ( Figure S1 ).…”

Biogenic ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized Using a Novel Plant Extract: Application to Enhance Physiological and Biochemical Traits in Maize

“…The ZnO-NPs obtained using the duckweed extract showed a smaller average size than those reported in other studies [ 4 , 20 , 22 ]. It is well known that the size of NPs strongly depends on the chemical composition, classes, and amounts of metabolites contained in the biological entities [ 10 , 11 , 34 ].…”

“…As for the shape of the biogenic ZnO-NPs, a wide variability can be observed depending on the biological entity used to carry out the biogenic syntheses. Such an effect is very frequently noted, and it mainly depends on the chemical composition of the plant extract [ 10 , 11 ]. For instance, some previous studies on plant biogenic synthesis evidenced as ZnO-NPs of flower or hexagonal shape can be obtained using Carissa edulis , Justicia spicigera and Medicago sativa [ 20 , 21 , 34 ].…”

“…NPs synthesis can be carried out using some plant extracts as reducing, ligation and capping agents, thanks to the considerable content of these biological materials of certain classes of compounds [ 8 , 9 ]. Indeed, these substances have a catalytic impact on the formation of NPs and influence their shape, size and morphology [ 10 , 11 ]. In this regard, the literature reports that certain plant extracts can be used to synthesize metal oxide nanoparticles, especially zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs).…”

Nanoceria Seed Priming Improves Salt Tolerance in Rapeseed Through Modulating ROS Homeostasis and α-Amylase Activities

“…Nanoparticles (NPs) such as AgNPs and Fe 2 O 3 were documented to improve seed development by enhancing starch metabolism and triggering Fe acquisition in wheat and rice [10]. Seed priming in lupine with ZnO NPs played an important role in NaCl stress tolerance via enhancing antioxidant activities and Na + adjustment [11]. Similarly, in wheat crops, AgNPs modulated hormonal balance while improved seed germination and salinity tolerance [12].…”