Work

Insights into tomato growth stimulation and induced resistance against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici by magnetite nanoparticles

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Agricultural productivity faces increasing challenges from fungal diseases and nutrient deficiencies, necessitating innovative solutions. While iron oxide nanoparticles show promise in agriculture, their effects on hormone-mediated growth regulation and disease resistance remain poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of Fe₃O₄ NPs on tomato growth and resistance against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici Fol . Tomato seedlings were hydroponically grown and treated with 0.5 and 1.0 mg/L Fe₃O₄ NPs or equivalent FeCl₃ concentrations. Treatment with 0.5 mg/L Fe₃O₄ NPs enhanced root length by 100 % and shoot length by 40 % compared to controls, outperforming FeCl₃ treatments which increased root and shoot length by only 36.7 % and 8.5 %, respectively. Fe₃O₄ NPs downregulated ABA-related genes, with FMO , MYB71 , and DnaJ1 expression decreasing by 71 %, 46 %, and 55 % respectively after 24 hours. Seedlings treated with 0.5 mg/L Fe₃O₄ NPs before Fol inoculation showed a 62.9 % reduction in disease severity as measured by AUDPC value of 1.3 versus 3.7 in controls and a 5-fold increase in ROS accumulation at 48 hours post-infection. Fe₃O₄ NPs strongly induced defense-related genes, with PR1a , LoxC , and AOC showing 14-fold, 182.1 %, and 111.2 % increased expression respectively within 12 hours of treatment. SA levels increased by 56.1 % and 68.6 % at 12- and 24-hours post-treatment. This priming effect was amplified when NP-treated plants were challenged with Fol . These findings demonstrate Fe₃O₄ NPs’ potential as a multifunctional nano-fertilizer, promoting both growth and disease resistance through modulation of phytohormone pathways. • Fe 3 O 4 NPs enhance tomato growth and resistance against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. • 0.5 mg/L Fe 3 O 4 NPs significantly increase root length, shoot length, and root hair number. • Fe 3 O 4 NPs modulate ABA, SA, and JA pathways, priming plant immune responses. • NP treatment upregulates defense genes, reducing disease severity upon pathogen challenge. • Fe 3 O 4 NPs show potential as multifunctional nano-fertilizers for sustainable agriculture.

Source: Environmental Technology & Innovation

DOI: 10.1016/j.eti.2025.104103