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Agronomy
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Nano(bio)technologies and Nano(bio)materials Used in Plant Protection and Fertilization
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Nano(bio)technologies and Nano(bio)materials Used in Plant Protection and Fertilization

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Soil and Plant Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2022) | Viewed by 29871

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Ștefan-Ovidiu Dima

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Bioresources Department, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry ICECHIM Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
Interests: nano(bio)technologies; nano(bio)materials; nano(bio)formulations; agronomy; advanced (bio)polymers; (bio)nanocomposites; polymer engineering; chemical engineering; applied sciences
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nano(bio)technologies and nano(bio)material have found prolific soil in Agronomy and plant-related fields due to their efficient nanoscale-derived properties in low amounts and molecular-targeted action on plant nutrition and protection.

Nano(bio)materials such as nano(bio)capsules, nano(bio)emulsions, nanodrops, microcapsules or microemulsions containing nanoparticles, nanonutrients, foliar nanofilms, liposomes, (bio)polymeric micelles, and colloidal nano/microsystems are being increasingly studied and tested on plants to determine their response mechanisms in terms of nutrition and protection.

Nano(bio)technologies are the corresponding technologies for nano(bio)materials production and application, among which we can add plant-monitoring, product-monitoring, and environment-monitoring nano(bio)technologies, such as nano(bio)sensors and nano(bio)markers.

Nano(bio)technologies and nano(bio)materials aim to solve, through their nanoscale physicochemical properties and molecular-designed interactions on plants, all the aspects concerning optimal and long-term water and nutrient delivery, plant protection with nano(bio)stimulants, nano(bio)fungicides, and nano(bio)insecticides, having also a minimal negative impact on the food chain and environment, and aiming toward competitive marketable costs.

We welcome the submission of full papers, communications, and reviews on the following and related topics:

  • Nano(bio)technologies on plant nutrition;
  • Nano(bio)technologies on plant protection;
  • Nano(bio)materials for plant nutrition;
  • Nano(bio)materials for plant protection;
  • Mechanisms of plant response to nano(bio)materials/technologies;
  • Food chain impact of nano(bio)materials/technologies;
  • Environmental impact of nano(bio)materials/technologies used in agronomy. 

Dr. Ștefan-Ovidiu Dima
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agronomy is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nano(bio)technologies
  • nano(bio)materials
  • nano(bio)formulations
  • nano(bio)carriers
  • nano(bio)stimulants
  • nano(bio)protectants
  • plant fertilization
  • plant protection
  • plant response to nano(bio)materials/technologies
  • water uptake and nutrition optimization

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 1825 KiB  
Article
Effect of Selenium Nanocomposites Based on Natural Polymer Matrices on the Biomass and Storage of Potato Tubers in a Field Experiment
by Alla I. Perfileva, Irina A. Graskova, Boris G. Sukhov and Konstantin V. Krutovsky
Agronomy 2022, 12(6), 1281; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12061281 - 27 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1809
Abstract
The effect of chemically synthesized selenium (Se) nanocomposites (NCs) based on the natural polymer matrices arabinogalactan (AG), carrageenan (CAR), and starch (ST) on potato tuber traits, storage, and crop structure was studied in a field trial. Parental potato tubers were sprayed by Se/AG [...] Read more.
The effect of chemically synthesized selenium (Se) nanocomposites (NCs) based on the natural polymer matrices arabinogalactan (AG), carrageenan (CAR), and starch (ST) on potato tuber traits, storage, and crop structure was studied in a field trial. Parental potato tubers were sprayed by Se/AG NC, Se/ST NC, and Se/CAR NC 14 days before planting in the field. The results showed that Se/AG NC and Se/CAR NC increased the number and weight of tubers in the first generation (F1) obtained from the plants grown from the treated tubers. It was found that Se/AG NC and Se/ST NC decreased the median weight of shoots after 230 days of storage of the F1 tubers, preventing their premature germination, and Se/AG NC decreased the number of rotten tubers. All three Se NCs significantly improved the storage by increasing the number of healthy scab-, dry-pitted-rot-, and wireworm-free tubers in the F1 after 230-day-long storage, except Se/CAR NC regarding dry pitted rot. Selenium/ST NC significantly increased the number of tubers, and Se/CAR NC their mass, and both decreased the number of rotten tubers in the second generation (F2). Selenium NCs affected crop structure in both generations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano(bio)technologies and Nano(bio)materials Used in Plant Protection and Fertilization)
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18 pages, 1402 KiB  
Article
Seed Priming with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Raises Biomass Production and Agronomic Profile of Water-Stressed Flax Plants
by Muhammad Waqas Mazhar, Muhammad Ishtiaq, Mehwish Maqbool, Raheel Akram, Adnan Shahid, Shadi Shokralla, Hussein Al-Ghobari, Abed Alataway, Ahmed Z. Dewidar, Ahmed M. El-Sabrout and Hosam O. Elansary
Agronomy 2022, 12(5), 982; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12050982 - 19 Apr 2022
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3056
Abstract
The current study is a field experiment set out to comprehend significance of the iron oxide (IO) nanoparticles for use as seed priming agents and their subsequent impact in alleviating water stress and improving agronomic profile of flax plants. The experimental layout consisted [...] Read more.
The current study is a field experiment set out to comprehend significance of the iron oxide (IO) nanoparticles for use as seed priming agents and their subsequent impact in alleviating water stress and improving agronomic profile of flax plants. The experimental layout consisted of a split-plot factorial design with one main plot divided into two subplots corresponding to drought and well-irrigated environment. Each of the subplots was divided into five rows of the flax plants raised from iron oxide primed seeds. The seed priming concentrations were 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm. Seed priming increased stem diameter, stem length, height, fresh weights, and dry weights of plant. The yield attributes, such as number of fruit branches, capsules, seeds per capsule, total fresh and dry stem’s fiber production, were also predominantly improved. The levels of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide were found to decline by 66% and 71%, respectively, upon seed priming, and an enhancement in activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) was also observed by 28%, 56%, and 39%, respectively, documenting the potential of iron oxide particles in mitigating the water stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano(bio)technologies and Nano(bio)materials Used in Plant Protection and Fertilization)
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13 pages, 1024 KiB  
Article
Chemo-Blended Ag & Fe Nanoparticles Effect on Growth, Physiochemical and Yield Traits of Wheat (Triticum aestivum)
by Hafiz Muhammad Jhanzab, Abdul Qayyum, Yamin Bibi, Ahmad Sher, Malik Tahir Hayat, Javed Iqbal, Maqsood Qamar, Basem H. Elesawy, Khadiga Ahmed Ismail, Amal F. Gharib and Ahmad El Askary
Agronomy 2022, 12(4), 757; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12040757 - 22 Mar 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2129
Abstract
The application profile of nanotechnology is increasing due to its influential effects on the environment. Recently, this field has gained tremendous magnitude in the agriculture sector as a potential improving agent for plant growth, slow-release fertilizer, and targeted delivery of agrochemicals for sustainable [...] Read more.
The application profile of nanotechnology is increasing due to its influential effects on the environment. Recently, this field has gained tremendous magnitude in the agriculture sector as a potential improving agent for plant growth, slow-release fertilizer, and targeted delivery of agrochemicals for sustainable crop productions. A study was designed with the aim to explore the potential effects of nanoparticles mixed with organic chemicals on the growth and physiochemical properties of wheat. Synthesized silver NPs and iron NPs were characterized through SEM and a particle analyzer, which confirmed the fine particles of a size < 20 nm. The application of chemo-blended NPs enhanced plant height, shoot and root biomass and leaf area. Chlorophyll (a, b) and total chlorophyll contents were promoted with an application of blended NPs. Chemo-blended nanoparticles promoted total soluble sugars, total free amino acid contents and total protein contents of wheat. Antioxidant enzyme activities, such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase were significantly promoted with blended NPs. Yield related attributes were also promoted in response to nanoparticles blended with organic chemicals. These results suggest that the application of chemo-blended NPs may increase plant growth and development through the improvement of the physiochemical properties of wheat. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano(bio)technologies and Nano(bio)materials Used in Plant Protection and Fertilization)
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18 pages, 8559 KiB  
Article
The Individual and Combined Effect of Nanoparticles and Biofertilizers on Growth, Yield, and Biochemical Attributes of Peanuts (Arachis hypogea L.)
by Ahmed M. Abdelghany, Aly A. A. El-Banna, Ehab A. A. Salama, Muhammad Moaaz Ali, Asma A. Al-Huqail, Hayssam M. Ali, Lidia Sas Paszt, Gawhara A. El-Sorady and Sobhi F. Lamlom
Agronomy 2022, 12(2), 398; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12020398 - 05 Feb 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3169
Abstract
A two-year (2020–2021) field experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of particular nanoparticles and biofertilizers on the growth, yield, and biochemical attributes of peanuts (Cv. Giza 6). Before planting, the seeds were inoculated with two biofertilizers, mycorrhiza and phosphorine, and were considered [...] Read more.
A two-year (2020–2021) field experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of particular nanoparticles and biofertilizers on the growth, yield, and biochemical attributes of peanuts (Cv. Giza 6). Before planting, the seeds were inoculated with two biofertilizers, mycorrhiza and phosphorine, and were considered the main plot. The subplot contained foliar sprays of nanoparticles, i.e., 200 ppm boron (B), 200 ppm calcium (Ca), their combination (Ca+B), and the control (no spray). The results revealed that mycorrhiza significantly increased 100-seed weight (70.45 g), seed yield (1.9 ton/ha), biological yield (7.5 ton/ha), crop growth rate (CGR) (2.9 g day−1 m−2), branching number (12.5), and protein content (22.96) compared with the control or phosphorine. Among the nanoparticles, Ca+B maximally improved plant height, CGR, 100-seed weight, shelling percentage, seed yield, oil content, and seed protein, while plants treated with B exhibited maximum seed nitrogen, pods per plant, and biological yield compared to other treatments. Overall, plants treated with Ca and B nanoparticles and mycorrhiza exhibited remarkable improvement in their growth, yield, and biochemical attributes, suggesting that nanotechnology and biofertilization are steps toward environmentally friendly, progressive farming. This study laid the basis for further elucidation of the molecular mechanism of plants in response to these nanoparticles and biofertilizers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano(bio)technologies and Nano(bio)materials Used in Plant Protection and Fertilization)
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13 pages, 765 KiB  
Communication
Field Application of ZnO and TiO2 Nanoparticles on Agricultural Plants
by Martin Šebesta, Marek Kolenčík, B. Ratna Sunil, Ramakanth Illa, Jaroslav Mosnáček, Avinash P. Ingle and Martin Urík
Agronomy 2021, 11(11), 2281; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy11112281 - 11 Nov 2021
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3949
Abstract
Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) have potential application in precision farming and sustainable agriculture. Studies have shown that ENPs enhance the efficiency of the delivery of agrochemicals and thus, have the potential to positively affect the environment, thereby improving the growth and health of the [...] Read more.
Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) have potential application in precision farming and sustainable agriculture. Studies have shown that ENPs enhance the efficiency of the delivery of agrochemicals and thus, have the potential to positively affect the environment, thereby improving the growth and health of the crops. However, the majority of the research on the effects of ENPs on plants and in agricultural applications have been limited to controlled laboratory conditions. These conditions do not fully consider various aspects inherent to the growth of agricultural plants in fields under changing weather and climate. Some of the most investigated ENPs in the agricultural research area are ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs). ZnO NPs have the potential to increase crop production and stress resistance, mainly by the slow release of Zn ions to crops. Unlike ZnO NPs, TiO2 NPs have less well-understood means of action, and are generally considered as plant growth promoter. This mini review presents information compiled for ZnO and TiO2 NPs, their influence on agricultural plants with emphasis on particularly effect on plant growth, nutrient distribution and pollution remediation under field conditions. It is concluded that in order to gain a broader perspective, more field studies are needed, particularly multigeneration studies, to fully understand the effects of the ENPs on agricultural plants’ growth and improvement of their health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano(bio)technologies and Nano(bio)materials Used in Plant Protection and Fertilization)
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19 pages, 1622 KiB  
Article
Foliar Nourishment with Different Zinc-Containing Forms Effectively Sustains Carrot Performance in Zinc-Deficient Soil
by Ahmed A. M. Awad, Mostafa M. Rady, Wael M. Semida, Eman E. Belal, Wail M. Omran, Hatim M. Al-Yasi and Esmat F. Ali
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1853; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy11091853 - 15 Sep 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2070
Abstract
Among the essential micronutrients, zinc (Zn) affects vital functions in crop plants. The influences of foliar nourishing with certain Zn-containing forms on the growth, productivity, and physiology of carrot plants (cv. Fire wedge F1) and their nutritional contents when grown in Zn-deficient soil [...] Read more.
Among the essential micronutrients, zinc (Zn) affects vital functions in crop plants. The influences of foliar nourishing with certain Zn-containing forms on the growth, productivity, and physiology of carrot plants (cv. Fire wedge F1) and their nutritional contents when grown in Zn-deficient soil were examined in both 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 field trials. Two doses of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs(1) = 20 and ZnO-NPs(2) = 40 mg L−1), zinc–EDTA (Zn–EDTA(1) = 1 and Zn–EDTA(2) = 2 g L−1), or bulk zinc oxide (ZnO-B(1) = 200 and ZnO-B(2) = 400 mg L−1) were applied three times. The data outputted indicated, in general, that ZnO-NPs(2) were the best treatment that conferred more acceptable plant growth (measured as shoot length and fresh and dry weights), physiology (measured as cell membrane stability index, SPAD readings, and nutrient uptake), and nutritional homeostasis (e.g., P, Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu contents). All these positive attributes were reflected in the highest yield, which was measured as fresh weight, dry matter, length, diameter, volume, and total yield of carrot roots. However, there were some exceptions, including the highest membrane stability index in both seasons, the highest Cu uptake and Mn content in the first season, and root fresh weight in both seasons obtained with ZnO-NPs(1). Moreover, the maximum P uptake and root dry matter were obtained with ZnO-B(1) and the highest content of root P was obtained by ZnO-B(2). Based on the above data, foliar nourishing with ZnO-NPs(2) can be recommended for the sustainability of carrot cultivation in Zn-deficient soils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano(bio)technologies and Nano(bio)materials Used in Plant Protection and Fertilization)
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12 pages, 924 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant Enzyme Activities Correlated with Growth Parameters of Wheat Sprayed with Silver and Gold Nanoparticle Suspensions
by Abdul Manaf, Xiukang Wang, Fatima Tariq, Hafiz Muhammad Jhanzab, Yamin Bibi, Ahmad Sher, Abdul Razzaq, Sajid Fiaz, Sikander Khan Tanveer and Abdul Qayyum
Agronomy 2021, 11(8), 1494; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy11081494 - 27 Jul 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2092
Abstract
Application of nanotechnology is crucial for a sustainable increase in food production to cope with the increasing food demand of the burgeoning population. Wheat production has to increase significantly for food security in Pakistan with the help of nanotechnology. In biological systems, utilization [...] Read more.
Application of nanotechnology is crucial for a sustainable increase in food production to cope with the increasing food demand of the burgeoning population. Wheat production has to increase significantly for food security in Pakistan with the help of nanotechnology. In biological systems, utilization of nanoparticles has been increased due to their growth-promoting effects on germination, photosynthetic attributes, nutrient use efficiency and metabolic activities. An experiment was conducted with the objective to establish a relationship between growth parameters and antioxidant enzyme activity in response to silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs). Application of Ag (20 mg/L) and Au NPs (10 mg/L) significantly enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activities of ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and guaiacol peroxidase. Consequently, growth parameters: fresh and dry biomass, leaf area, chlorophyll (a, b) and total chlorophyll contents, also increased significantly. These results suggest that application of Ag and Au NPs has the potential to promote wheat growth through enhancing the antioxidant enzyme activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano(bio)technologies and Nano(bio)materials Used in Plant Protection and Fertilization)
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20 pages, 1334 KiB  
Article
Insecticidal Effect of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles against Bactericera cockerelli Sulc. (Hemiptera: Triozidae) on Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
by José A. Gutiérrez-Ramírez, Rebeca Betancourt-Galindo, Luis A. Aguirre-Uribe, Ernesto Cerna-Chávez, Alberto Sandoval-Rangel, Epifanio Castro-del Ángel, Julio C. Chacón-Hernández, Josué I. García-López and Agustín Hernández-Juárez
Agronomy 2021, 11(8), 1460; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy11081460 - 22 Jul 2021
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4239
Abstract
The use of nanoparticles (NPs) has generated an alternative pest control. The objective was to evaluate the insecticidal effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), and their combination on Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) second-stage nymphs under [...] Read more.
The use of nanoparticles (NPs) has generated an alternative pest control. The objective was to evaluate the insecticidal effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), and their combination on Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) second-stage nymphs under laboratory and greenhouse conditions in tomato. The laboratory research was carried out with the leaf immersion bioassay method under a complete randomized design, and in the greenhouse by direct plant spraying under a randomized block design; in both designs, a control without NPs was added. Mortality was recorded every 24 h for 4 days. Both NPs in the laboratory and greenhouse showed toxicity to B. cockerelli nymphs. Results in the laboratory showed that NPs significantly caused increased mortality of 88, 99, and 100% 96 h after treatment of ZnO NPs, TiO2 NPs, and their combinations, at 1000, 100, and 250 ppm, respectively. Direct spray of plants in the greenhouse showed low mortality with 27, 32, and 23% after 96 h of ZnO NPs, TiO2 NPs, and their combinations, at 3000, 500, and 250 ppm, respectively. These results on B. cockerelli control seem promising. Nanoparticles as insecticides are a novel strategy, however, further investigation is required in field tests to obtain suitable efficacy for use in a pest management system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano(bio)technologies and Nano(bio)materials Used in Plant Protection and Fertilization)
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21 pages, 15756 KiB  
Article
Rebalance the Nutritional Status and the Productivity of High CaCO3-Stressed Sweet Potato Plants by Foliar Nourishment with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Ascorbic Acid
by Ahmed A. M. Awad, Atef A. A. Sweed, Mostafa M. Rady, Ali Majrashi and Esmat F. Ali
Agronomy 2021, 11(7), 1443; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy11071443 - 20 Jul 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2353
Abstract
The use of nano-fertilizers and antioxidants for specific crops to minimize the negative effect of abiotic stresses is imperative. Two field experiments were fulfilled during two summer seasons (2019 and 2020) to study the response of sweet potato (Beauregard cv.) plants grown in [...] Read more.
The use of nano-fertilizers and antioxidants for specific crops to minimize the negative effect of abiotic stresses is imperative. Two field experiments were fulfilled during two summer seasons (2019 and 2020) to study the response of sweet potato (Beauregard cv.) plants grown in calcareous soil (CaCO3 = 10.8–11.3%) to foliar nourishment with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and ascorbic acid (ASA) applied individually or in a mixture. Both ZnONPs and ASA were applied in three doses: 0, 1000, or 1500 mg L−1 for ZnONPs, and 0, 250 and 500 mg L−1 for ASA. The highest values of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) contents were recorded in both seasons, while those of phosphorus (P) and copper (Cu) were recorded in the 2020 season with ZnONPs applied at 1500 mg L−1. Furthermore, in both seasons, the maximum values of nutrient contents, excluding Mn content, were obtained with ASA applied at 500 mg L−1. However, applying both ZnONPs and ASA in a mixture bypassed each applied alone, with the highest overall nutrient contents being recorded, with few exceptions, with the highest dose of the mixture. The trend of the tuber root nutrient contents was correlated with the corresponding values in the leaves. Maximum tuber root yield was obtained with foliar feeding with 1000 mg ZnONP and 250 mg ASA L−1 in both seasons. The resulting data recommend the use of foliar nourishment with fertilizer nanoparticles and antioxidants to enable stressed plants to collect appropriate nutrient contents from the defective soils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano(bio)technologies and Nano(bio)materials Used in Plant Protection and Fertilization)
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18 pages, 297 KiB  
Article
Are Copper Nanoparticles Toxic to All Plants? A Case Study on Onion (Allium cepa L.)
by Shady Abdel Mottaleb, Ahmed Z. A. Hassan, Reham El-Bahbohy and Abdel Wahab M. Mahmoud
Agronomy 2021, 11(5), 1006; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy11051006 - 19 May 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3567
Abstract
Sandy soils with high alkalinity are characterized by low copper (Cu) contents that lead to many deficiency symptoms in plants. Cu deficiency in plants can be corrected using several cheap Cu sources. Nevertheless, the effects that novel sources, such as Cu nanoparticles (NPs), [...] Read more.
Sandy soils with high alkalinity are characterized by low copper (Cu) contents that lead to many deficiency symptoms in plants. Cu deficiency in plants can be corrected using several cheap Cu sources. Nevertheless, the effects that novel sources, such as Cu nanoparticles (NPs), have on plants remain poorly studied. In the present work, we investigated the effect and efficiency of Cu supplementation to onion (Allium cepa L.) plants using Cu sulfate, chelate, or NPs, and compared their effects on bulb quality, yield, and contents of phytochemicals. Two successive seasons (2018/2019 and 2019/2020) of field experiments were conducted in newly reclaimed sandy soils, where plants were sprayed with either 10 ppm CuO NPs, 20 ppm CuSO4·5H2O, or 20 ppm of Cu chelates. Overall, Cu deficiency (control) resulted in a significant decrease in yield and all quality traits of onion plants. CuO NPs treatment significantly enhanced growth parameters, including plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weight, yield, and bulb quality, compared with Cu sulfate and chelates. This was also the case regarding chemical constituents such as macro- and micro-nutrients, total soluble solids, phytochemical compounds, vitamins, and amino acids. Although Cu sulfate is the cheapest form used for Cu supplementation, results of the present study suggest that CuO NPs was not only safe to use, but also was the treatment that led to the highest onion yield and quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano(bio)technologies and Nano(bio)materials Used in Plant Protection and Fertilization)
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