The application of nanomaterials (NMs) in agriculture has become a global concern in recent years. However, studies on their effects on plants are still limited. Here, we conducted a seed germination experiment for 5 days and a hydroponics experiment for 14 days to study the effects of silicon dioxide NMs(nSiO2) and silicon carbide NMs(nSiC) (0,10, 50, 200 mg/L) on rice (Oryza sativa L.). Bulk SiO2 (bSiO2) and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) were used as controls. The results showed that nSiO2 and nSiC increased the shoot length (11–37%, 6–25%) and root length (17–87%, 59–207%) of germinating seeds, respectively, compared with the control. Similarly, inter-root exposure to nSiO2, bSiO2, and nSiC improved the activity of aboveground catalase (10–55%, 31–34%, and 13–51%) and increased the content of trace elements magnesium, copper, and zinc, thus promoting the photosynthesis of rice. However, Na2SiO3 at a concentration of 200 mg/L reduced the aboveground and root biomass of rice by 27–51% and 4–17%, respectively. This may be because excess silicon not only inhibited the activity of root antioxidant enzymes but also disrupted the balance of mineral elements. This finding provides a new basis for the effect of silica-based NMs promotion on seed germination and rice growth.

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Effect of Silica-Based Nanomaterials on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Effects of two Mn-based nanomaterials on soybean antioxidant system and mineral element homeostasis

Nanoplastics (NPs) are accumulating in the soil environment at a rapid rate, which may cause serious consequences for ecosystems and human health. However, environmental behaviour and toxicity of NPs in the soil–plant system remain poorly understood. This review summarizes current studies on NP–plant interactions to unravel uptake mechanisms and phytotoxicity of NPs. NPs could be taken up by plant roots and transported upwards through the xylem to all organs of the plant, even to the edible parts such as the grain, thereby threatening human health. The interaction of NPs with plants affects plant transport of water and nutrients. Besides, it induces significant oxidative stress leading to inhibition of physiological and biochemical activities such as photosynthesis, and thus adversely affects plant growth and development. In addition, the co‐transport of NPs with other soil pollutants may induce the combined toxic effects. This study also discussed the potential mechanism of NP–plant interactions based on previous experience with engineered nanomaterials. Finally, a comprehensive assessment of the key challenges in each area was presented, and future perspectives are offered.

Nanoplastic–plant interaction and implications for soil health

Abstract Potassium fertilizer is essential to ensure crop production and thus global food supply and safe fertilizer. Potassium resources are mainly located in the Northern Hemisphere, and as a result, there is currently a scarcity of cheap potash and severe soil deficiencies in some areas of the Southern Hemisphere. There is a shift from mined salts to locally available potassium resources. such as silicates containing K, may be an option to improve this situation. The goal of increasing crop productivity and improving quality dictates an increase in potassium availability or a efficient use of potassium. The development of plants that use potassium more efficiently may be a valuable goal for geneticists. Nanomaterials are increasingly used in people's working life as a new type of material, and this technology is gradually being applied in agriculture with a view to increase crop yields and reduce environmental pollution. This paper reviews the applications of common potassium-containing materials and the effects and mechanisms of nano-fertilizers on plants, and also gives an outlook on the future applications of nano-potassium fertilizers in agriculture, and also hopes that it can provide a reference for more researchers working in this field. 

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The combination of nanotechnology and potassium: Applications in agriculture

Effects of α-Fe_2O_3 nanoparticles and biochar on plant growth and fruit quality of muskmelon under cadmium stress

The low yield and active ingredient content of medicinal plants is always a challenge. Nanotechnology offers new tools for enhancing the biomass and metabolism of medicinal plant. In the present...

Binbin Long

Papers

Iron nanoparticles increase the active ingredients of traditional Chinese Medicine Isatis Indigotica not carbon nanotubes: a comparative study