Synthesis of Iron, Zinc, and Manganese Nanofertilizers, Using Andean Blueberry Extract, and Their Effect in the Growth of Cabbage and Lupin Plants

Abstract

The predominant aim of the current study was to synthesize the nanofertilizer nanoparticles ZnO_MnO-NPs and FeO_ZnO-NPs using Andean blueberry extract and determine the effect of NPs in the growth promotion of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) and Andean lupin (Lupinus mutabilis sweet) crops. The nanoparticles were analyzed by visible spectrophotometry, size distribution (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Solutions of nanoparticle concentrations were applied to cabbage, with solutions of 270 and 540 ppm of ZnO_MnO-NPs and 270 and 540 ppm of FeO_ZnO-NPs applied to Andean lupin. Zinc was used in both plants to take advantage of its beneficial properties for plant growth. Foliar NPs sprays were applied at the phenological stage of vegetative growth of the cabbage or Andean lupin plants grown under greenhouse conditions. The diameter of the NPs was 9.5 nm for ZnO, 7.8 nm for FeO, and 10.5 nm for MnO, which facilitate the adsorption of NPs by the stomata of plants. In Andean lupin, treatment with 270 ppm of iron and zinc indicated increases of 6% in height, 19% in root size, 3.5% in chlorophyll content index, and 300% in leaf area, while treatment with 540 ppm of iron and zinc yielded no apparent increases in any variable. In cabbage, the ZnO_MnO-NPs indicate, at a concentration of 270 ppm, increases of 10.3% in root size, 55.1% in dry biomass, 7.1% in chlorophyll content, and 25.6% in leaf area. Cabbage plants treated at a concentration of 540 ppm produced increases of 1.3% in root size and 1.8% in chlorophyll content, compared to the control, which was sprayed with distilled water. Therefore, the spray application of nanofertilizers at 270 ppm indicated an important improvement in both plants’ growth.

Recent advances in nano-fertilizers: synthesis, crop yield impact, and economic analysis

“…146,147 Such Nano-scale fertilizers reduce nutrient losses due to washout, and chemical alteration can be avoided. 109 In addition, they are used to improve nutrient efficiency and environmental quality. 63 They were exploring NPs based on various metals and metal oxides for application in agriculture.…”

“…Furthermore, The study by Murgueitio-Herrera et al 109 Aimed to synthesize ZnO–MnO-NPs and FeO–ZnO-NPs nanoparticles using Andean bilberry extract and sugarcane bagasse ash and evaluate their effect on the growth of cabbage ( Brassica oleracea var. capital ) and Andean lupin ( Lupinus mutabilis sweet) crops.…”

“…Therefore, a significant improvement in the growth of both plants was observed with the application of a 270 ppm nano-fertilizer. 109…”

“…Compared to the control sprayed with distilled water, cabbage plants treated at 540 ppm showed an increase of 1.3% in root size and 1.8% in chlorophyll content. Therefore, a significant improvement in the growth of both plants was observed with the application of a 270 ppm nano-fertilizer 109.…”

Manganese Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Mechanisms of Influence on Plant Resistance to Stress, and Prospects for Application in Agricultural Chemistry

“…Under the influence of Mn NPs, an increased activity of the CP43 protein of photosystem II (PS II) of the Mn 4 Ca complex was noted, which stimulated phosphorylation in the electron transport chain of the chloroplast. 30 The effect of blackberry-based Mn NPs on the vegetation of lupine (Lupinus mutabilis) under potted conditions in a greenhouse was studied by Murgueitio-Herrera et al 67 Mn NPs were applied as nanofertilizers in the form of an aqueous solution at the stage of formation of the first 3−4 leaves in lupine. The effect of Mn was manifested in an increase in plant growth and amount of chlorophyll.…”