Selective Cytogenetic Responses to Nano-Fertilizer Co-Exposure in Allium cepa L.: Implications for Sublethal...

The intensive use of agricultural inputs and the increasing incorporation of nano-materials into crop management practices raise concerns about their ecotoxicological interactions in plant systems. This study evaluated phytotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity in Allium cepa L. under experimental nano-agrochemical exposure scenarios combining two conventional nitrogen fertilizers-ammonium sulfate (AS) and urea-with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Biological responses were assessed across fertilizer concentrations (0.03-0.5 g/L), applied individually, simultaneously, and sequentially, to identify modulatory effects of AgNPs on plant proliferative activity and genomic stability. Results showed the relative stability of morphophysiological indicators associated with root growth, whereas cytogenetic biomarkers exhibited selective alterations under specific conditions. Significant increases in genetic damage markers were detected at intermediate ammonium sulfate concentrations, suggesting sublethal phytotoxicity windows not reflected by macroscopic growth parameters. In addition, modulation of the mitotic index and absence of generalized genotoxic effects in most combined or sequential treatments indicate that AgNPs primarily acted as modulators of proliferative responses rather than direct cytotoxic agents. Overall, these findings highlight the dynamic and non-linear nature of nano-agrochemical interactions in plant systems and underscore the importance of multibiomarker approaches for the early detection of genomic instability. The results provide experimental evidence relevant to the environmental risk assessment of nano-enabled fertilization strategies under realistic mixed-exposure scenarios. This study contributes to advancing the ecotoxicological understanding of emerging agricultural technologies and supports the need for further mechanistic research and field-based evaluations to guide the safe and sustainable use of nanomaterials in crop production.