Morphology and Coating of ZnO Nanoparticles Affect Growth and Gas Exchange Parameters of Bell Pepper Seedlings
The use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) is a promising strategy to enhance zinc availability and promote plant growth due to their physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. This study evaluated the effects of ZnO-NP morphology (spherical and hexagonal), maltodextrin (MD) surface coating...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
|
| Series: | Agronomy |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/7/1579 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | The use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) is a promising strategy to enhance zinc availability and promote plant growth due to their physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. This study evaluated the effects of ZnO-NP morphology (spherical and hexagonal), maltodextrin (MD) surface coating, and a concentration range of 0–2000 mg L<sup>−1</sup> on growth and gas exchange in bell pepper seedlings. ZnO-NPs increased seedling height, especially at 750 and 1000 mg L<sup>−1</sup> for MD-coated spherical NPs and at 250 and 500 mg L<sup>−1</sup> for MD-coated hexagonal NPs. Spherical NPs also enhanced stem diameter, root length, and the dry weight of roots and stems. Leaf dry weight was highest with MD-coated spherical NPs, while hexagonal forms had milder effects. Dose–response analysis revealed that, with the exception of hexagonal MD-coated NPs, the total dry weight of seedlings stabilized at concentrations ranging 219.6 to 313.6 mg L<sup>−1</sup>. Gas exchange parameters were significantly influenced by the evaluated factors. Uncoated hexagonal NPs at 1500 mg L<sup>−1</sup> increased the photosynthetic rate by 239%. MD coating improved performance, particularly in spherical NPs at 750 and 1000 mg L<sup>−1</sup>. The transpiration rate rose with MD-coated hexagonal NPs at 500–2000 mg L<sup>−1</sup>, and SPAD units increased with both morphologies. Overall, this study confirms that ZnO-NP morphology and surface coating play key roles in enhancing growth and physiological responses in bell pepper seedlings. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2073-4395 |