Zinc Oxide Phytonanoparticles’ Effects on Yield and Mineral Contents in Fruits of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Cherry) under Field Conditions

Abstract

The use of phytonanoparticles in agriculture could decrease the use of fertilizers and therefore decrease soil contamination, due to their size being better assimilated in plants. It is important to mention that the nanofertilizer is slow-releasing and improves plant physiological properties and various nutritional parameters. The influence of soil and foliar applications of phytonanoparticles of ZnO with the Moringa oleifera extract under three concentrations (25, 50, and 100 ppm) was evaluated on the cherry tomato crop (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Synthesis of the phytonanoparticles was analyzed with ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and infrared transmission spectroscopy with Fourier transform (FT-IR), as well as the analysis with the dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique. The morphometric parameters were evaluated before and after the application of the nanoparticles. The minerals’ content of fruits was done 95 days after planting. Results showed that soil application was better at a concentration of 25 ppm of phytonanoparticles since it allowed the greatest number of flowers and fruits on the plant; however, it was demonstrated that when performing a foliar application, the fruit showed the highest concentrations for the elements Mg, Ca, and Na at concentrations of 511, 4589, and 223 mg kg−1, respectively.

Recent Trends in the Foliar Spraying of Zinc Nutrient and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Tomato Production

“…The maximum results were also found in the case of lycopene (23%) and β-carotene (25%) content with treatment at 50 ppm ZnO-NPs [36]. The total soluble solids were increased by 26.92% with the application of phytonanoparticles at 50 ppm over control [82]. The maximum activity of different enzymes was noted in the plants treated with ZnO-NPs at 8 mg L −1 for 30 min.…”

Phytochemical Substances—Mediated Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPS)

“…Many types of plants have been used in the manufacturing of ZnO NPs; namely, aloe vera [30], moringa oleifera leaf extract [31], Ocimum basilicum [32], rosemary leaves [33], azadirachta indica leaves [34], Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato) [35,36], etc.…”