Particulate Nanoscale Silica Induced Novel Morphological and Biochemical Stimulus Effects in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

Application of nanoscale materials in agriculture for various reasons, including plant nutrition, has been an interesting multidisciplinary research component. Among the plant nutrients, silica plays an important role as a quasi-essential nutrient besides enhancing resistance against disease and pests in the plant system. In the present investigation, we report the effects of foliar spray (field experiment) of varied concentrations (250, 500, and 750 ppm) of nanoscale silica (NSiO2) and osic acid (350, 700, and 1050 ppm) on structural and biochemical processes and yield in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). NSiO2 was prepared using the sol–gel method and characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The DLS analysis revealed the size (26.2 nm) and ζ-potential (−43.6 mV) of NSiO2. Significant increases in plant height, chlorophyll content, carotenoids, lycopene, and superoxide dismutase enzymatic activities were recorded with particulate NSiO2 foliar application at 750 ppm. Further, we are the first to report that foliar application of particulate NSiO2 led to the formation of a silicic acid layer on epidermal cells in chilli. Hence, foliar application of particulate nanoscale silica increases the flexural rigidity of epidermal cells, the chlorophyll content, carotenoids, lycopene content, and yield in chilli.

Nanoparticulate Silica Internalization and Its Effect on the Growth and Yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

“…In contrast, neutral nanomaterials cannot penetrate lipid bilayers of plants . Nanosilica is converted into the insoluble silicic acid layer through polymerization, which mostly deposits beneath the leaf cuticle and in cell walls, where it tightens the cell wall to improve resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses in chili plants …”

“…46 Nanosilica is converted into the insoluble silicic acid layer through polymerization, which mostly deposits beneath the leaf cuticle and in cell walls, where it tightens the cell wall to improve resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses in chili plants. 47 3.1.6. Estimation of Si in Leaves of N-SiO 2 -Treated Plants.…”

Diallel Analysis and Selection of Hybrids for Nutritional Phytochemicals in <i>Capsicum Annuum</i> L.

“…The antioxidant capacity (AOC) of chili fruit was measured by DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay following the procedure described by Zellama et al [17]. Total β-carotene content (BCC) was measured by following the method described by Prasad et al [18] using a spectrophotometer (PD-303UV, APEL, Japan). The chili samples for measuring total carotenoid content (TCC) and chlorophyll content (Chl a and Chl b) were prepared via the González-Cortés et al [19] method.…”

A New Type of Quantum Fertilizer (Silicon Quantum Dots) Promotes the Growth and Enhances the Antioxidant Defense System in Rice Seedlings by Reprogramming the Nitrogen and Carbon Metabolism

“…4,5 Therefore, it was reported that monosilicic acid, orthosilicic acid, and inorganic complex forms are the main forms of Si fertilizer at present and are being widely employed in rice cultivation. 6 Unfortunately, monosilicic acid and orthosilicic acid with higher solubility and absorption rates may induce potential phytotoxicity in plants. The disadvantage can be remedied through the use of nanotechnology in which nanoscale silicon has completely different particle size and surface area compared to natural silicon, thereby affecting its uptake and translocation in rice plants.…”

“…9 Similarly, Prasad et al found that the foliar application of SiNPs could increase the growth and yield of groundnut. 6 Our previous studies indicated that the pretreatment of SiNPs could alleviate cadmium (Cd) toxicity in rice suspension cells in a sizedependent manner by regulating the expression of Cd-and Sirelated genes. 10 Additionally, the addition of SiNPs could inhibit the uptake of arsenic (As) in rice cells by improving the mechanical force of cell walls and regulating As-related genes under As stress.…”