Influence of different metal-organic frameworks on agronomic traits of faba bean plants

Micronutrient deficiencies in soil can significantly hinder plant growth and reduce crop production; therefore, foliar application of these micronutrients to plants becomes effective. Although metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are frequently used in gas storage, adsorption, and catalysis, their application in agriculture has been rather uncommon. The purpose of this study was to ascertain how the growth parameters of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) plants were affected by nickel (Ni²⁺), chromium (Cr³⁺), cobalt (Co²⁺), and copper (Cu²⁺) MOFs. Using spectroscopic analysis, frameworks for Ni-BTC, Cr-BTC, Co-BTC, and Cu-BTC were described. These frameworks' effects on the faba plants' physiological stress indices, leaf chlorophyll and phenolic contents, fresh and dry weight of the roots and shoots, and shoot and root length were measured. According to our findings, Cu-BTC improved plant growth and development, resulting in a 37.79% increase in fresh shoot weight and a 40.42% increase in dry weight. Additionally, there was a 62.96% rise in the fresh weight of roots and a 75.0% increase in the dry weight of roots. The diameter of the stem was increased by 31.5% and the leaf surface area increased by 46.22%. There was an improvement in the amount of pigments, with carotenoids growing 1.91 times, chlorophyll a an increasing 1.59 times, and chlorophyll b increasing 2.07 times. On the other hand, Cr-BTC showed a negative impact on the growth of the plant; malondialdehyde (MDA) and H₂O₂ levels were raised by 4.54% and 14.21%, respectively, compared to the control. Although micronutrients are essential for plant growth and development, plants need them in small quantities. MOFs will deliver these micronutrients to plants in a controlled and efficient manner. MOFs can enhance nutrient uptake and reduce environmental impact by minimizing nutrient leaching and pollution.