Mechanistic study on the effect of foliar-applied, iron-based nanomaterials on the growth of soybean
Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: : In order to elucidate the effect of iron-based nanomaterials(NMs)on soybean growth and its related mechanisms, different concentrations(0, 1, 10 mg·L-1, and 50 mg·L-1)of γ - Fe2O3 NMs and Fe3O4 NMs were sprayed on the leaf of soybean cultured in hydroponic conditions. During the experiments, Fe-EDTA(10 mg·L-1)was used as control to compare the performance and related mechanisms of the soybean growth promotion by nanofertilizer and conventional fertilizers. Foliar-applied, iron-based NMs enhanced the shoot and root biomass, root length, root tips numbers, and root bulk of soybean. The biomass increased initially and decreased afterwards with the increase in iron-based NM concentration. All the treatments at 10 mg·L-1 exhibited the best performance for soybean growth in the order of γ-Fe2O3 NMs>Fe3O4 NMs>Fe-EDTA. Iron-based NMs exhibited higher bioavailability than Fe-EDTA due to the slow-release feature and high surface activity. The iron content in soybean roots, stems, and leaves after exposure to 10 mg·L-1 γ-Fe2O3 NMs was 1.29-, 1.09-, and 1.24 -fold of that of an equal quantity of iron in Fe-EDTA exposure. The net photosynthetic rate of soybean exposed to 10 mg·L-1 γ-Fe2O3 NMs, Fe3O4 NMs, and Fe-EDTA was increased by 62.7%, 41.5%, and 30.7%, respectively, compared with the control. The transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and intracellular CO2 concentration of soybean leaf exposed to iron-based NMs were all higher than in the Fe-EDTA treatment. Iron-based NMs up-regulated the sucrose transporter related genes(GmSWEET 15, GmSUT 2), increased the transport of photosynthate from leaf to root, and increased the root-shoot ratio, thereby enhancing the uptake of nutrients(S, P, Ca, Mn, and Cu). In conclusion, foliar application of iron-nanofertilizer(γ-Fe2O3 NMs)promoted the growth and nutrient uptake of soybean over conventional iron fertilizer. The results of this study provide a foundation for the application of iron-based NMs in promoting the growth of crops.
Authors: MA Yangyang, ZHANG Chenchi, CAO Xuesong, WANG Zhenyu
Institution: Jiangnan University
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4226264586