This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of zinc nanofertilizer strategy on sweet basil yield, through alone application or combined with pre-sowing laser irradiation. Furthermore, evaluate the growth of plant and the level of active essential oil constituents. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized, and transmission electron microscope revealed particle size of approximately 10.5-15.5 nm. ZnO NPs were applied to sweet basil plants by foliar spray at varying concentrations (10, 20 and 30 mg/L); He Ne laser of power 3mW was used for red light irradiation of sweet basil seeds for 2 min. exposure time. Total chlorophyll, total carbohydrate, essential oil levels, zinc content, plant height, branches/plant and fresh weight were measured. In general, the combined foliar spray application of ZnO nanofertilizer with pre-sowing He Ne laser irradiation showed more effectiveness than ZnO nanofertilizer alone and 20mg/L concentration gave the highest results of all measured traits. Statistical analysis (t-test) showed significant differences among the effects of the various concentrations of zinc oxide NPs on these attributes. The results showed an inverse relationship between the total carbohydrate content and the percentage of essential oil in the leaves. Together these findings support the usefulness and effectiveness of zinc oxide nanofertilizer and laser irradiation treatment to enhance the growth and yield of sweet basil plants. The article presents some promising patents on ZnO nanofertilizer and He Ne laser irradiation.

ZnO Nanofertilizer and He Ne Laser Irradiation for Promoting Growth and Yield of Sweet Basil Plant

The autokinetic phenomenon: a critical review.

Autokinetic illusion: a systematic review of theories, measures, and independent variables.

A pot experiment was conducted on sandy soil during 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 seasons in the green house of the National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt. This work aimed to study influence the foliar spraying of zinc (as zinc sulphate) and boron (as boric acid) on growth parameters, bulblet, flower characteristics, chemical constituents and nutrients content of leaves and flowers. Zinc sulphate (Zn) at concentrations of 0.0, 1.5g/l, 3.0g/l and 4.5g/l and boric acid (B) at concentrations of 0.0, 5ppm, 10 ppm and 20 ppm were applied alone and in combinations twice as foliar spray, where the first was after 45days and the second was after 60 days of planting. Results showed that the foliar spraying of zinc sulphate or boric acid alone at all rates and as combinations significantly increased growth parameters, flowers characteristics and bulblet number and yield/plant as compared with the control treatment. The treatments also significantly increased leaves carbohydrate, pigment, nutrients, i.e. N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and B content, as well as carbohydrate and oil of flowers (%) and its nutrients content as compared with the control. The most promising results were obtained from plants treated with Zn at 4.5g/l combined with 20 ppm B.

Effect of foliar application of zinc sulfate and boric acid on growth, yield and chemical constituents of iris plants

Development of site-specific integrated nutrient management systems for gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus Hort.) and marigold (Tagetes patula L.) using soil test crop response correlation studies

Growth, flowering and corm production in gladiolus as influenced by NPK application

Effect of nitrogen and zinc on floral characters, bulb production and nutrient content in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) cv. Double

The effect of stimulant and depressant drugs on the latency of autokinetic illusion

Effect of phosphorus and potassium application on growth, yield and quality of kinnow mandarin.

Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on nutrient content of lilium cv. Chianti.

Sukhbir Singh

Papers

Growth, flowering and corm production in gladiolus as influenced by NPK application

Effect of nitrogen and zinc on floral characters, bulb production and nutrient content in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) cv. Double

The effect of stimulant and depressant drugs on the latency of autokinetic illusion

Effect of phosphorus and potassium application on growth, yield and quality of kinnow mandarin.

Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on nutrient content of lilium cv. Chianti.