Nano-micronutrients [γ-Fe₂O₃ (iron) and ZnO (zinc)]: green preparation, characterization, agro-morphological characteristics and crop productivity studies in two crops (rice and maize)

Abstract

<p>Nanotechnology based fertilizer production possessing the desired chemical composition, can improve plant nutrition and may reduce the environmental impact and enhance the plant productivity.</p>

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

“…Nanotechnology can play a role in enhancing crop performance. Some research demonstrated that NPs could lead to highly positive and beneficial effects on crops, even if subjected to abiotic stress [ 4 , 7 , 22 , 39 , 40 ]. In this context, green synthesized ZnO-NPs show numerous advantages over the other conventional ones.…”

“…In this context, green synthesized ZnO-NPs show numerous advantages over the other conventional ones. In particular, green syntheses do not impact the environment, and biogenic ZnO-NPs, concerning their morphology, shape and size [ 22 ], can induce beneficial effects on treated crops [ 4 , 5 , 14 ].…”

“…They range from synthetic procedures that can have a high environmental impact to those based on biological entities, such as plant extracts, that have immediate advantages being much eco-friendlier and more biocompatible [ 2 , 3 ]. Among the various nanomaterials, oxides of certain metals in the range of 1–100 nm attract particular attention for their chemical, mechanical, electronic and biological properties [ 4 , 5 ]. Generally, the properties of nanoparticles (NPs) are closely linked to their size and shape, which is why the possibility of being able to control these characteristics plays a significant role in conferring the desired attributes to the resulting nanomaterials [ 6 , 7 ].…”

“…NPs have also been used in agriculture as, in small concentrations, they can improve physiological, morphological and biochemical traits in the treated species [ 4 , 5 , 14 ]. Several studies have shown that NPs can stimulate plant germination, photosynthesis, and development [ 5 , 7 , 14 , 15 ].…”

“…Several published studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of extracts obtained from some plants for ZnO-NPs synthesis. To mention a few examples, recently, Ulva Lactuca , an alga, has been used to synthesize ZnO-NPs with a size of 18–27 nm and spherical shape [ 4 ]. Fowsiya et al [ 20 ] used a medicinal small tree plant, Carissa edulis , for the biogenic synthesis of zinc oxide NPs with an average size of 50–55 nm and flower-shaped morphology.…”