Effect of Zinc Priming on Salt Response of Wheat Seedlings: Relieving or Worsening?

Abstract

In an attempt to alleviate salt-induced damage, the application of ZnO nanoparticles has been suggested. As the use of these particles has also been associated with phytotoxicity, to better clarify the effect of zinc and its possible mitigation of salt stress, we treated wheat seedlings with ZnO (nanoparticles or their bulk-scale counterparts, amended either in the growth medium, NPs and B, or sprayed on the leaves, SPNPs and SPB) with or without subsequent treatment with salt. Growth, photosynthetic parameters, zinc and ion concentration, and in situ and biochemical determination of oxidative stress in wheat leaves and/or in roots were considered. Both Zn and NaCl significantly inhibited growth and induced severe alterations in root morphology. Oxidative stress and damage decreased or increased under ZnO treatment and in saline conditions depending on the organ and on the size and mode of application of particles. In spite of the higher stress conditions often recorded in treated leaves, neither pigment concentration nor photochemical efficiency were decreased. A large variability in the effects of ZnO treatment/priming on seedling salt response was recorded; however, the presence of a cumulative negative effect of priming and salt stress sometimes observed calls for caution in the use of ZnO in protection from saline stress.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), Biosynthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of Their Impact to Improve Shoot Growth and to Reduce Salt Toxicity on Salvia officinalis In Vitro Cultivated

“…The high uptake of Na + and Cl − ions result in an osmotic stress causing a toxicity for the plant. Moreover, salinity induces the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting oxidative stress [63]. Nanoparticle application in the agriculture sector is one of the promising techniques that enhance crop productivity under normal as well as under harsh environmental conditions, including salt stress [64].…”

Polystyrene nanoplastics affect seed germination, cell biology and physiology of rice seedlings in-short term treatments: Evidence of their internalization and translocation

“…Slices of control samples were stained with toluidine blue for a conventional anatomical evaluation. Amplex Ultrared probe (Life Technologies, USA) was applied for in situ detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as previously described (Spanò et al, 2020). Red fluorescence (568ex/681em nm) developed was proportional to the amount of hydrogen peroxide in the sample.…”

ZnO Nanoparticles Obtained by Green Synthesis as an Alternative to Improve the Germination Characteristics of L. esculentum

“…Research by Esper, 2020 [ 50 ] suggests that concentrations between 70 and 100 mg·L −1 of zinc oxide nanoparticles are optimal to significantly stimulate the emergence, root length and total production of fresh and dry biomass of the Zea mays crop “corn”. These results are due to the fact that zinc nanoparticles increase cell division and the activity of enzyme nitrate reductase, favoring root development [ 56 , 57 , 58 ]. In turn, it is worth mentioning that zinc oxide nanoparticles contribute to the productivity and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress, since they have the ability to activate the antioxidant system in plants grown in areas with water limitations [ 59 ].…”