Silica nanoparticles promote wheat growth by mediating hormones and sugar metabolism

Abstract

Background Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) have been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on plant growth and development, especially under biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the mechanisms of SiNPs-mediated plant growth strengthening are still unclear, especially under field condition. In this study, we evaluated the effect of SiNPs on the growth and sugar and hormone metabolisms of wheat in the field. Results SiNPs increased tillers and elongated internodes by 66.7% and 27.4%, respectively, resulting in a larger biomass. SiNPs can increase the net photosynthetic rate by increasing total chlorophyll contents. We speculated that SiNPs can regulate the growth of leaves and stems, partly by regulating the metabolisms of plant hormones and soluble sugar. Specifically, SiNPs can increase auxin (IAA) and fructose contents, which can promote wheat growth directly or indirectly. Furthermore, SiNPs increased the expression levels of key pathway genes related to soluble sugars (SPS, SUS, and α-glucosidase), chlorophyll (CHLH, CAO, and POR), IAA (TIR1), and abscisic acid (ABA) (PYR/PYL, PP2C, SnRK2, and ABF), whereas the expression levels of genes related to CTKs (IPT) was decreased after SiNPs treatment. Conclusions This study shows that SiNPs can promote wheat growth and provides a theoretical foundation for the application of SiNPs in field conditions.

Nano‐silicon fertiliser increases the yield and quality of cherry radish

“…reported that foliar application of 200 mg/L Si NPs significantly increased the sugar content (e.g., glucose, sucrose and fructose), enhanced photosynthesis, accelerated sugar synthesis and transport, and modulated phytohormone levels in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) 66 . In that work, the authors hypothesised that the mechanism was increased expression levels of genes related to soluble sugars ( SPS , SUS and α‐glucosidase), chlorophyll ( CHLH , CAO , and POR ), IAA ( TIR1 ), and ABA ( PYR/PYL , PP2C , SnRK2 , and ABF ) 66 . Similarly, foliar application of 60 mg/L SiO 2 NPs significantly increased the accumulation of AAs (e.g., glutamine, arginine and valine) and sugars (e.g., fructose and glucose) in cucumber 48 .…”

“…66 In that work, the authors hypothesised that the mechanism was increased expression levels of genes related to soluble sugars (SPS, SUS and α-glucosidase), chlorophyll (CHLH, CAO, and POR), IAA (TIR1), and ABA (PYR/PYL, PP2C, SnRK2, and ABF). 66 Similarly, foliar application MODERN AGRICULTURE of 60 mg/L SiO 2 NPs significantly increased the accumulation of AAs (e.g., glutamine, arginine and valine) and sugars (e.g., fructose and glucose) in cucumber. 48 Taken together, Si-based NMs can promote the accumulation of AAs and carbohydrates in radish, thereby increasing plant yield and improving fruit nutritional quality.…”

Comparing the Potential of Silicon Nanoparticles and Conventional Silicon for Salinity Stress Alleviation in Soybean (Glycine max L.): Growth and Physiological Traits and Rhizosphere/Endophytic Bacterial Communities

“…The application of silicate and SiO 2 NPs through foliar spray resulted in increased fresh weights of both shoots and roots compared to the control group exposed to salinity alone (Figure S2). Similarly, the enhancement of plant biomass has been observed in sorghum, wheat, and maize through foliar spraying of Si/SiO 2 NPs.…”

Chitosan-Coated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Suppression of Fusarium virguliforme in Soybeans (Glycine max)

“…This is supported by literature where increases in chlorophyll content have previously been correlated with overall plant health upon silica NP treatments. 48,49 Changes in Biomass after NP Treatment. The fresh biomass was also measured for healthy and diseased plants that were treated with foliar or seed applications of MSNs and CTS-MSNs, as well as for untreated controls (Figure 5).…”