Work

Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles enhance saline-alkali tolerance in melon by modulating hormonal signaling and organic acid metabolism

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Saline-alkali stress is a major abiotic factor limiting the productivity of melon (Cucumis melo L.). While nano-biotechnology shows potential for enhancing crop tolerance, the mechanisms by which nano-Fe₃O₄ affects melons under saline-alkali stress remain unclear. This study investigated the effectiveness of foliar-applied nano-Fe₃O₄ in improving saline-alkali stress tolerance in melon seedlings. Treatment with 100 mg/L of nano-Fe₃O₄ significantly promoted seedling growth, increased biomass, and enhanced root system architecture, while notably reducing oxidative damage and membrane injury under saline-alkali stress. Mechanistic analysis revealed that nano-Fe₃O₄ enhances tolerance through four synergistic pathways: (1) It activates the antioxidant defense system and optimizes ion homeostasis. (2) It modulates hormone signaling by increasing endogenous levels of abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA), supported by the upregulation of their biosynthesis genes. (3) It promotes organic acid metabolism, resulting in increased accumulation of malate and citrate, as well as the upregulation of related synthesis genes. In conclusion, nano-Fe₃O₄ systematically enhances melon's tolerance to saline-alkali stress by co-regulating hormone signaling, antioxidant defense, ion homeostasis, and organic acid metabolism. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of nano-Fe₃O₄ as a novel biostimulant in saline-alkali agriculture.

Source: Plant Stress

DOI: 10.1016/j.stress.2026.101369