Effects of nitric oxide-releasing nanoparticles on neotropical tree seedlings submitted to acclimation under full sun in the nursery

Abstract

Polymeric nanoparticles have emerged as carrier systems for molecules that release nitric oxide (NO), a free radical involved in plant stress responses. However, to date, nanoencapsulated NO donors have not been applied to plants under realistic field conditions. Here, we verified the effects of free and nanoencapsulated NO donor, S-nitroso-mercaptosuccinic acid (S-nitroso-MSA), on growth, physiological and biochemical parameters of neotropical tree seedlings kept under full sunlight in the nursery for acclimation. S-nitroso-MSA incorporation into chitosan nanoparticles partially protected the NO donor from thermal and photochemical degradation. The application of nanoencapsulated S-nitroso-MSA in the substrate favoured the growth of seedlings of Heliocarpus popayanensis, a shade-intolerant tree. In contrast, free S-nitroso-MSA or nanoparticles containing non-nitrosated mercaptosuccinic acid reduced photosynthesis and seedling growth. Seedlings of Cariniana estrellensis, a shade-tolerant tree, did not have their photosynthesis and growth affected by any formulations, despite the increase of foliar S-nitrosothiol levels mainly induced by S-nitroso-MSA-loaded nanoparticles. These results suggest that depending on the tree species, nanoencapsulated NO donors can be used to improve seedling acclimation in the nursery.

Foliar spray application of CuO nanoparticles (NPs) and S‐nitrosoglutathione enhances productivity, physiological and biochemical parameters of lettuce plants

“…Final results were normalized against leaf or root fresh weight. 17,21 Determination of pigment contents Chlorophyll a (Chl a ) a and b (Chl b ) and carotenoids (Car) were detected in the solution by suspending 50 mg fresh leaves in ethyl alcohol (95%) for 96 h in the dark, and then the absorbance readings were recorded at 665, 649 and 470 nm, 22…”

“…14 The beneficial effects of administration of NO donors in different plant cultures under abiotic stresses of drought, 15 salinity 16 and UV light have been demonstrated. 17 These scenarios are relevant to contemporary agricultural challengesfor example, improving water use efficiency and soil management.…”

Guest Edited Collection: Nanotechnology in agriculture

“…There are also 'Other applications and effects' that have been tested and developed, such as efficient delivery of plant hormones and growth regulators which positively affect crop development 6,19 , or active molecules that are able to modulate stress responses 5…”

“…There are also ‘Other applications and effects’ that have been tested and developed, such as efficient delivery of plant hormones and growth regulators which positively affect crop development 6 , 19 , or active molecules that are able to modulate stress responses 5 . In addition, there are reports about how priming seeds with nanomaterials leads to improved growth and yield in some crops 7 , 20 .…”

“…Field experiments for agriculture are like clinical trials for medicine: it is the only way to validate promising results obtained under laboratory and controlled conditions. Despite the fact that most work to date has been developed under laboratory settings, new results involving field trials and realistic conditions are now being published 5 – 8 , showing the real potential of these nanotechnologies for agriculture.…”