Nanostructured mesoporous silica materials induce hormesis on chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under greenhouse conditions

Elicitation of Bacillus cereus-Amazcala (B.c-A) with SiO2 Nanoparticles Improves Its Role as a Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) in Chili Pepper Plants

“…In our study, the synthesized SiO 2 -NPs used at 100 ppm did not cause toxicity in the bacteria or the chili pepper plants under the mentioned conditions. However, more studies will be necessary to verify if there is nanoparticle accumulation in plant tissues, as shown in other similar studies [6], as well as within B.c-A cells. Finally, our study provides an approach to the combined use of NPs and B.c-A, from which new research can be derived to understand the NP-B.c-A-plant interaction at a molecular level, as well as the new rationale design of PGPB-NPs commercial product formulations.…”

“…On the other hand, pesticide and insecticide residues have been identified in a large number of food products, so there is a big concern in society about the use of these chemicals due to their high toxicity [5]. Therefore, the research of sustainable agricultural strategies, such as plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and plant growth-promoting factors (PGPF), which allow farmers to obtain better yields and while having less environmental impact, is of great interest [5,6]. These alternatives propose a more efficient use of fertilizers, a decrease in the incidence of pests and diseases, and improvements in the nutraceutical quality of food [1].…”

“…PGPF, also defined as eustressors, are stress factors of physical, biological (elicitors), and chemical origin that, under a specific dose, favor the development and yield of crops as well as the induction of the plant immune response, which includes responses such as the activation of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) [13]. Furthermore, nanotechnology has offered important alternatives regarding using silica nanoparticles (SiO 2 -NPs) as eustressors [6]. Due to their small size (5-20 nm) and other characteristics, such as shape, surface charge, and texture, SiO 2 -NPs can easily penetrate the cell wall and distribute into tissues.…”

Biological effects of AgNPs on crop plants: environmental implications and agricultural applications

“…The authors attribute this to hormesis effects. 54 In another study, Magaña-López et al 55 found that foliar spray of silica NMs (20 mg L −1 ) induced hormesis on chili pepper ( C. annuum L.) production and protection to cold stress. Gupta et al 56 found the stimulatory effect of bio-synthesized AgNPs on rice ( Oryza sativa L., cv.…”

“…Some recent studies have observed the hormesis-like effects of low doses of NMs on plant species. 54,55 For example, AgNPs have been found to induce stimulatory effects on the root growth of maize plants. The authors attribute this to hormesis effects.…”