Zinc use efficiency is enhanced in wheat through nanofertilization

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Nanotechnology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Zinc deficiency, or 'hidden hunger', affects global populations, necessitating effective wheat fortification strategies.
• Conventional micronutrient fertilization leads to wastage and environmental pollution due to excessive application.
• Developing efficient nanofertilizers is crucial for sustainable agriculture and improved human nutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of zinc complexed chitosan nanoparticles (Zn-CNP) for durum wheat ferti-fortification.
• To compare Zn-CNP performance against conventional zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) application in field conditions.
• To assess the impact of Zn-CNP on grain zinc content, yield, and other agronomic traits.

Main Methods:

• Field-scale experiments were conducted on two durum wheat genotypes (MACS 3125 and UC 1114).
• Zn-CNP was applied at a 10-fold lower zinc concentration (40 mgL-1) compared to conventional ZnSO4 (400 mgL-1).
• Grain zinc enrichment, yield, protein content, and other agronomic parameters were analyzed over four years.

Main Results:

• Zn-CNP achieved comparable grain zinc enrichment (~36%) to ZnSO4 (~50%) with significantly less zinc applied.
• Nanofertilizer application increased grain zinc content without negatively impacting grain yield or quality parameters.
• Consistent results across four years and varying soil zinc levels demonstrate the reliability of Zn-CNP.

Conclusions:

• Zinc complexed chitosan nanoparticles represent a novel and efficient nanofertilizer for wheat ferti-fortification.
• Zn-CNP enhances fertilizer use efficiency, offering a sustainable solution to combat hidden hunger.
• This approach aligns with the principle of 'using nanofertilizers at the right place, right time, and in right doses'.