Chitosan nanofertilizer to foster source activity in maize

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Physiology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Source activity is crucial for crop yield, involving nutrient mobilization and translocation.
• Chitosan, copper (Cu), and salicylic acid (SA) are known to influence plant growth and stress responses.
• Nanofertilizers offer controlled release and enhanced bioavailability of nutrients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of chitosan nanofertilizer containing Cu and SA on source activity in maize.
• To evaluate the effects of seed treatment and foliar application of this nanofertilizer on physiological and biochemical parameters.
• To determine the potential of this nanofertilizer for improving maize crop yield.

Main Methods:

• Maize seeds and plants were treated with chitosan nanofertilizer containing Cu and SA.
• Seedling vigor index and reserve food mobilizing enzyme activities were measured post-seed treatment.
• Antioxidant enzyme activities, malondialdehyde, chlorophyll content, and sucrose translocation were assessed after foliar application.

Main Results:

• Seed treatment significantly increased seedling vigor index (1.6-fold) and enzyme activities (1.7-3.0-fold).
• Foliar application enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (1.06-1.91-fold), chlorophyll content (2-fold), and reduced malondialdehyde.
• Sucrose translocation in internodes increased significantly (2.5-3.5-fold), indicating improved nutrient remobilization.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan nanofertilizer (Cu-SA) effectively up-regulates source activity in maize.
• The nanofertilizer demonstrates potential for enhancing physiological processes vital for crop yield.
• Slow release and synergistic effects of Cu and SA contribute to the observed bioactivities.