Nano-sulfides of Fe and Mn Efficiently Augmented the Growth, Antioxidant Defense System, and Metal Assimilation in Rice Seedlings

Abstract

Physiological and biochemical mechanisms behind nanoparticle (NP)-induced seed germination by nanopriming with metal sulfide NPs are lacunae in the field of agriculture. Sonochemically synthesized aqua-dispersed ferrous sulfide NPs (FeS-NPs) and manganese sulfide NPs (MnS-NPs) were examined as nanopriming agents for physiological, pathological, and antioxidative defense parameters of rice in the present study. Under pot house conditions, in vivo nanopriming of rice seeds with FeS NPs and MnS-NPs at a concentration of 35 μg/mL for 8 h significantly improved the physiological parameters, viz., germination percentage, seed germination index, mean germination time, dry weight, and vigor index, and decreased the phytopathological parameters of nanoprimed rice seeds, viz., mortality, seed rot, and seedling blight. Stimulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD ≥ 28.16%), ascorbate peroxidase (APX ≥ 52.38%), and catalase (CAT ≥ 28.57%) enzymes in FeS-NP-and MnS-NP-nanoprimed seeds as compared to control (hydroprimed seeds) enhanced the fitness of rice seedlings. The augmented levels of Fe and Mn content in the shoots and roots of NP-treated seedlings as compared to hydroprimed seedlings confirmed the incorporation nanometals in rice seedlings as nanonutrients for effective plant growth. Inclusively, FeS-NPs and MnS-NPs were shown to be effective nanopriming agents for promoting the germination of naturally fungal infested rice seeds.

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

“…Mn 3 O 4 , MnO, and MnO 2 have enzyme-like activities, allowing them to inactivate ROS. ,, Stimulation of the superoxide dismutase by 28.16%, ascorbate peroxidase by 52.38%, and catalase by 28.57% was shown in rice seeds nanoprimed with FeS and MnS NPs compared to the control (hydroprimed seeds) . Mn 3 O 4 NPs have the enzymatic activity similar to superoxide dismutase and catalase and can also scavenge hydroxyl radicals …”

Nanopriming and AI for Sustainable Agriculture: Boosting Seed Germination and Seedling Growth with Engineered Nanomaterials, and Smart Monitoring through Deep Learning

“…Recently, various metal-based ENMs, including nanoparticles (NPs) like ZnO NPs, Fe NPs, Ag NPs, and Ag/ZnO NPs have demonstrated potential in enhancing seed germination rates (SGR) even under stressful conditions. ZnO NPs, in particular, have emerged as highly applicable ENMs in agriculture. , Zinc, a vital micronutrient, plays a crucial role in supporting optimal plant growth by facilitating processes, such as synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, cell division, and overall plant development .…”

“…27 Integrating ENMs into seed priming processes offers a novel approach to enhance crop productivity and quality potential, providing valuable solutions for sustainable agriculture. Recently, various metal-based ENMs, including nanoparticles (NPs) like ZnO NPs, 28 Fe NPs, 29 Ag NPs, 30 and Ag/ZnO NPs 31 have demonstrated potential in enhancing seed germination rates (SGR) even under stressful conditions. ZnO NPs, in particular, have emerged as highly applicable ENMs in agriculture.…”