ABSTRACT
Recent advances in nano-enabled agriculture raised hope in the efficient delivery of bioactive minerals to crops. Nanocomposites (NCPs) are promising technologies in soil fertilizing without compromising environmental contamination. NCPs have shown positive impacts on plant growth and nanofortification of crop yield. Here, we have synthesized a nanocomposite that could induce the positive impacts of the Mn, Fe, and Ce nanoparticles for the crops. The NCPs were extensively characterized and applied at three levels 100, 250, and 500 ppm on T. aestivum L. seeds for 10 days. The germination, biomass, and elongation have been measured as the main physiological parameters of the plant. The total content of chlorophyll, carotenoids, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant in response to NCPs was quantified. The concentration of essential minerals (iron and manganese) and the non-essential element of cerium in roots and shoots were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Briefly, the germination rate increased by 15%; total chlorophyll and carotenoid were augmented by 61% and 38%, respectively, in exposure to 100 ppm. Higher uptake of micronutrient Fe and Mn in shoots and led to higher yield production by 14% and 18%, respectively. A positive correlation between the increasing dose of NCPs and the total content of the superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) were quantified. Overall, the results indicate the high potential of NCPs applications in agricultural practice.
