Some Physiological Effects of Nanofertilizers on Wheat-Aphid Interactions

Abstract

The increasing use of nanofertilizers in modern agriculture and their impact on crop yield and pest management require further research. In this study, the effects of nano-Fe, -Zn, and -Cu (which are synthesized based on nanochelating technology), and urea (N) fertilizers on the antioxidant activities of wheat plants (cv. Chamran), and the wheat green aphid Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) are investigated. The authors observed the highest levels of phenolics in non-infested nano-Zn-treated plants (26% higher compared with control). The highest H2O2 levels are in the infested and non-infested nano-Zn-treated and infested nano-Fe-treated plants (in infested nano-Zn and nano-Fe treated plants, 18% and non-infested nano-Zn-treated plants, 28% higher compared with control). The highest peroxidase (POX) activity is observed in the infested and non-infested N-treated and non-infested water-treated plants (almost 14%, 37%, and 46% higher than control, respectively). The lowest activity is in the infested plants’ nano-Zn and -Fe treatments (almost 7 and 5 folds lower compared to the control, respectively). The highest and lowest catalase (CAT) activity are in the infested N-treated plants (almost 42% higher than control) and water-treated plants, respectively. The infested nano-Zn, -Fe, -Cu and Hoagland-treated plants showed the highest superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Regarding the antioxidant enzyme activities of S. graminum, the highest POX activity is in the nano-Cu treatment (more than two folds higher compared with control); the highest CAT and SOD activities are in the nano-Cu and -Zn treatments. It can be concluded that the application of nanofertilizers caused increasing effects on the wheat plant’s antioxidant system and its resistance to S. graminum.

Examining Innovative Technologies: Nano-Chelated Fertilizers for Management of Wheat Aphid (Schizaphis graminum Rondani)

“…Studies by Kafel et al [ 50 ] on the toxic effects of zinc and cadmium on Spodoptera exigua clearly showed that exposure of the insect to these elements significantly reduces its survival. In our previous investigation [ 19 ] on the impact of nano-Zn treatment on wheat plants and wheat green aphid, we discovered that the application of nano-Zn led to an increase in the phenol content within aphid-infested wheat plants. This rise in phenol levels can be interpreted as an inhibitory factor against S. graminum , the aphid in question.…”

“…These outcomes were nearly in line with our findings, which showed that in the case of aphids, the nano-Cu treatment led to the most TPRP and the least amount of reproduction in terms of element abundance. The results of our previous investigation [ 19 ] regarding the impact of nano-Cu treatment on wheat and S. graminum demonstrated that this treatment did not exhibit significant toxicity toward wheat, only moderately affecting its enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems. Conversely, the aphid displayed notably elevated levels of peroxidase (POX), CAT, and SOD enzymes, suggesting the pronounced toxicity of nano-Cu on the aphid.…”

“…Tap water was used for irrigation every other day until germination, which occurred within two weeks. After germination, the plants were irrigated with Hoagland (Hog) nutrient solution [ 28 ] and treated with the tested NFs on alternate days [ 19 ].…”

“…In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the utilization of environmentally friendly approaches, coupled with the suggestion of integrating them with nanotechnology [ 18 ]. Micronutrients such as zinc, copper, and iron play vital roles in enzyme and biomolecule structures and functions [ 19 ]. However, conventional fertilizers face challenges in providing these nutrients to plants as they have lower bioavailability [ 20 , 21 ].…”

Potential Biopesticides from Seed Extracts: A Sustainable Way to Protect Cotton Crops from Bollworm Damage

“…Studies revealed that plants or other organisms (e.g., animals, bacteria, Fungi, etc.) produce special components with inhibitory effects on pests [1][2][3]. Thanks to minimum or no harmful effects to the ecosystem, as well as their natural structures and sources, they have gained great attention.…”