Au-Based Nanoparticles Enhance Low Temperature Tolerance in Wheat by Regulating Some Physiological Parameters and...

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Agricultural Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Plant adaptation to environmental stress, particularly low temperatures, is crucial for agriculture.
• Gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) show promise for enhancing plant stress tolerance due to their favorable interactions and low toxicity at microdoses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of gold nanoparticle (Au-NP) seed nanopriming on the cold tolerance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).
• To evaluate the physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of wheat to Au-NP treatment under cold stress.

Main Methods:

• Wheat seeds were subjected to nanopriming with Au-NPs (15.3 nm diameter, 5-50 µg mL⁻¹) before exposure to cold conditions.
• Assessed cold tolerance, growth intensity, photosynthetic pigment content, leaf sucrose levels, and gene expression (RuBisCo, Wcor15).

Main Results:

• Au-NP treatment significantly improved wheat's tolerance to low temperatures, both in control and cold-hardened states.
• Enhanced growth processes, increased photosynthetic pigments, and elevated sucrose levels were observed in Au-NP treated plants.
• Upregulation of RuBisCo and Wcor15 gene expression was noted, suggesting a molecular basis for improved cold tolerance.

Conclusions:

• Seed nanopriming with gold nanoparticles is an effective strategy for enhancing cold tolerance in wheat.
• Au-NPs positively influence key physiological and biochemical parameters, contributing to improved plant resilience.
• Further research into the mechanisms of Au-NP action can optimize agricultural applications for stress management in crops.