Nanoparticulate Silica Internalization and Its Effect on the Growth and Yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

In recent years, foliar applications of nanoparticles are increasingly being employed in agricultural fields as fertilizers to enhance crop yields. However, limited studies are available on the foliar uptake of nanoscale nutrients and their interaction with plants. In this study, we reported the effects of foliar spray with varied concentrations of nanoscale silica (N-SiO2) and bulk tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS at 2000 ppm) on the growth and yield of groundnut. Nanosilica was prepared by a sol–gel method and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and X-ray diffraction. The size and zeta potential of N-SiO2 were found to be 28.7 nm and 32 mV, respectively. The plant height, number of branches, total dry weight, SPAD chlorophyll meter reading, photosynthetic rate, water use efficiency, number of nodules, and ascorbic acid content were increased significantly with the N-SiO2 foliar application at 400 ppm over control. The number of filled pods increased significantly by 38.78 and 58.60% with N-SiO2 at 400 ppm application over TEOS and control, respectively. The pod yield per plant in N-SiO2 at 400 ppm increased by 25.52 and 31.7% higher over TEOS and control, respectively. Antioxidant enzyme activities enhanced significantly in N-SiO2 at 200 and 400 ppm over control, indicating a stimulatory effect on the plant growth. In addition, confocal microscopy revealed that fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-N-SiO2 entered through stomata and then transported to vascular bundles via apoplastic movement. Our study for the first time demonstrated that N-SiO2 can significantly modulate multiple complex traits in groundnut through an eco-friendly and sustainable approach.

A New Type of Quantum Fertilizer (Silicon Quantum Dots) Promotes the Growth and Enhances the Antioxidant Defense System in Rice Seedlings by Reprogramming the Nitrogen and Carbon Metabolism

“…4,5 Therefore, it was reported that monosilicic acid, orthosilicic acid, and inorganic complex forms are the main forms of Si fertilizer at present and are being widely employed in rice cultivation. 6 Unfortunately, monosilicic acid and orthosilicic acid with higher solubility and absorption rates may induce potential phytotoxicity in plants. The disadvantage can be remedied through the use of nanotechnology in which nanoscale silicon has completely different particle size and surface area compared to natural silicon, thereby affecting its uptake and translocation in rice plants.…”

“…9 Similarly, Prasad et al found that the foliar application of SiNPs could increase the growth and yield of groundnut. 6 Our previous studies indicated that the pretreatment of SiNPs could alleviate cadmium (Cd) toxicity in rice suspension cells in a sizedependent manner by regulating the expression of Cd-and Sirelated genes. 10 Additionally, the addition of SiNPs could inhibit the uptake of arsenic (As) in rice cells by improving the mechanical force of cell walls and regulating As-related genes under As stress.…”

“…In addition, the supply of SiNPs could improve the growth and productivity of cucumber by balancing nutrient uptake under salinity stress and water deficit . Similarly, Prasad et al found that the foliar application of SiNPs could increase the growth and yield of groundnut . Our previous studies indicated that the pretreatment of SiNPs could alleviate cadmium (Cd) toxicity in rice suspension cells in a size-dependent manner by regulating the expression of Cd- and Si-related genes .…”

“…Particularly, the addition of Si could improve the resistance in rice against diseases and alleviate the effects of other abiotic stresses such as drought, high temperature, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity . However, plants take up a small amount of Si in the form of monosilicic acid from the soil through active or passive absorptive processes, which is not enough to promote the growth and yield of rice plants. , Therefore, it was reported that monosilicic acid, orthosilicic acid, and inorganic complex forms are the main forms of Si fertilizer at present and are being widely employed in rice cultivation . Unfortunately, monosilicic acid and orthosilicic acid with higher solubility and absorption rates may induce potential phytotoxicity in plants.…”

Foliar Application of Nanoparticles Reduced Cadmium Content in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Grains via Long-Distance “Leaf–Root–Microorganism” Regulation

“…Such a strategy may be the “nano agriculture”, which has been recently developed. ,, Nanoparticles (NPs) have a minimum one-dimensional size of 100 nm and unique properties compared to their bulk counterparts . Using NPs as a development strategy for sustainable agriculture has emerged as a new research direction.…”