Seed priming with copper‐loaded chitosan nanoparticles promotes early growth and enzymatic antioxidant defense of maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings

Abstract

BACKGROUND:The unique features of nanoparticles can improve the effectiveness of seed priming with metallic ions, boosting plant growth and the defense response. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of nanopriming of maize (Zea mays L.) seeds with chitosan nanoparticles containing copper ions (NPCu) on the growth and photosynthetic activity of non-stressed seedlings, as well as on the germination and antioxidant response of seeds undergoing deterioration caused by high relative humidity and temperature.RESULTS: Seed priming with bulk or nanoencapsulated Cu 2+ influenced the initial development of greenhouse-grown maize seedlings, mainly by increasing shoot growth and photosynthetic electron transport, compared to the control. Chitosan nanoparticles without Cu (NP) induced minor morphophysiological responses. In the laboratory assay with stressed seeds, NPCu stood out for strongly increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. In contrast, priming with NP induced oxidative stress in maize seedlings. CONCLUSION: Under normal growing conditions, Cu 2+ promoted the initial growth of maize seedlings regardless of the nanoencapsulation. In the stressful condition caused by the deterioration process, NPCu combined the properties of chitosan with the essentiality of Cu 2+ , promoting the enzymatic antioxidant response.

Morphological, physiological and biochemical response of Lallemantia species to elevated temperature and light duration during seed development

“…The glassy state raises the viscosity of the intracellular fluid and decreases metabolic activity in the cytoplasm [ 85 ]. Further seed longevity of L. royleana than that in L. iberica may be due to less oil in L. royleana seeds [ 86 ]. Hence, it can be inferred, high saturated fatty acids during seed storage induce a decline in the lipid fluidity of cell membranes and a rise in MDA and ROS accumulation [ 87 ].…”

Multilevel approach to plant–nanomaterial relationships: from cells to living ecosystems

“…In addition to the effects induced by NMs per se , some types of NMs (such as polymeric NPs) can be used as efficient carrier systems for bioactive molecules (e.g. plant growth regulators and metallic ions), which further regulate specific processes in germination ( Pereira et al , 2017 ; Gomes et al , 2021 ). The beneficial effects triggered by NMs or molecules released by them are not restricted to germination, as improved seedling growth and stress resistance are observed, which can result in higher productivity ( Pereira et al, 2019 , 2021 ; Shelar et al , 2021 ; Nile et al , 2022 ).…”

Biopolymeric Nanoparticles–Multifunctional Materials of the Future

“…Apart from the delivery of plant growth promoters, biopolymeric nanoparticles have also been shown to have growth-promoting properties. Several studies have shown that chitosan nanoparticles promote seed germination in crops and can therefore be used to produce healthy seedlings [ 148 , 149 , 150 ].…”