Impacts of ZnO as a nanofertilizer on fenugreek: some biochemical parameters and SCoT analysis

Abstract

Background Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) can be considered as nanofertilizer providing zinc as an essential micronutrient for plant growth and production at specific safe dose, however, above this dose; ZnO NPs induce oxidative stress. The present research aimed to evaluate some physiological and molecular effects of ZnO NPs on Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) plant. Results The ZnO NPs were applied at five different concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg/l) via soaking fenugreek seeds for 24 h. Fenugreek seedlings were harvested after 14 days for biomass and biochemical analyses. The results revealed that increasing ZnO NPs concentration led to a significant increase in all measured parameters until peaked at 30 mg/l; after that, a decline trend was detected. However, malondialdehyde (MDA) increased significantly just at higher concentrations of ZnO NPs (40 and 50 mg/l). In addition, genetic variation measure using start codon targeted (SCoT) markers revealed that ZnO NP treatments exhibited limited genetic variation. Conclusion Results showed that treatment with ZnO NPs at 30 mg/l can improve biomass, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of fenugreek seedlings, besides being safe for DNA. So, this concentration could be a decent nanofertilizer for fenugreek plant.

Evaluating the impact of phytosynthesized micronutrient nanoparticles on the growth and propagation of mulberry cuttings: dose determination and toxicity concerns

“…However, when compared to the respective positive control (sulfate salt supplementation), it was found that only ZnNP-10, 50, MnNP-5, 10, and CuNP-5, 10 exhibited a significant increase in the protein content. In agreement with our findings, a previous study by Elsherif et al 81 also showed a significant improvement in the protein content of fenugreek following the application of zinc nanoparticles. The observed results align with the established understanding that zinc, when present in specific concentrations, plays a critical role in forming structural and catalytic components within proteins and enzymes.…”