Agricultural nanotechnology has emerged as an effective tool for enhancing crop yield and agricultural productivity amid the growing world population. Over the past ten years, application of nanoparticles (NPs) as nano fertilizers or bio-stimulants has been grown to enhance the morphological and biochemical parameters of various crops. The growth and development of edible crop is affected by soil iron deficiency, particularly in agricultural land that lacks sustainable management practices. This review evaluates effect of Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) on agricultural plant growth. Iron is a micro-nutrient, which is essential for plants. The uptake of IONPs in plant mainly depends upon the exposure method i.e. foliar spray through leaves, soil treatment through roots and seed priming through pre-soaking of seeds. Their impact can be positive or negative depending on the variable conditions in the environment, application method, duration of exposure, concentration and size of IONPs. Various studies have shown that IONPs had affected the growth, seed germination, yield and quality of plants. Low concentration of IONPs resulted in increased rate of seed germination, plant biomass and photosynthetic pigments while at high concentration it causes toxicity by generating hydroxyl radicals leading to plant damage. This review provides an overview of IONPs effect on plants, seed germination, plant growth and morphology, yield and quality, their application in different plants, photosynthesis and toxicity.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination greatly hinders plant productivity. Nanotechnology offers a promising solution for Cd phytotoxicity. The novelty of this study lies in the limited research on the effects of nanoiron (Fe3O4NPs) in regulating Cd toxicity in oilseed crops. This study examined how Fe3O4NPs regulated the Cd-exposure in B. napus. Foliar spray of 10 mg L- 1 Fe3O4NPs was applied to 50 mu M Cd-stressed B. napus seedlings via leaf exposure in hydroponic system. Under Cd stress, Fe3O4NPs decreased the Cd-accumulation (25-37%) due to adsorption followed by more root Cd-immobilization, and increased the plant height (23-31%) and biomass (17-24%). These findings were directly correlated with better photosynthetic activity (chlorophylls, gas exchanges and photosynthetic efficiency), leaf stomata opening and nutrients accumulation (20-29%). Subcellular localization revealed that Fe3O4NPs enhanced the binding capacity of cell wall for Cd to hinder its entry into cell organalles and facilitated vacoular sequestration. Additionally, Fe3O4NPs decreased the oxidative stress (21-33%) and peroxidation of lipids (24-31%) by regulating the genes-associated to superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, reduced glutathione, phytochelation, chlorophyll synthesis and Cd-transporters. Fe3O4NPs protected plant roots from Cd-induced cell structural damages and cell death. Among studied parameters, ZD 635 exhibited greater tolerance to Cd stress when compared to ZD 622 cultivar. Findings revealed that Fe3O4NPs effectively mitigate Cd toxicity by improving the photosynthesis, antioxidant defense mechanisms, cellular protection, nutrients accumulation and limiting Cd accumulation. This research offers a benchmark for the practical applicability of Fe3O4NPs to enhance the quality of canola production in Cdcontaminated soils.

Generally, nanotechnology plays an very important role in various applied scientific fields. Iron and magnesium nanoparticles (NPs) can cause positive or negative changes in soil physical and mechanical properties, especially in long periods. The aim of this study was to investigate the multi-year effects of NPs on soil water retention and aggregate tensile strength. A wheat farm loamy soil was amended with 1%, 3%, and 5% (weight/weight) of magnesium oxide (MgO) and iron oxide (Fe3O4) NPs in three replications and incubated for three years. Water contents were measured at different matric suctions of 0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 100, 300, 1 000, and 15 000 cm. The van Genuchten model was fitted to the moisture data. Tensile strength was measured on the 2-4 mm aggregates at matric suctions of 300 (i.e., field capacity) and 15 000 (i.e., permanent wilting point) cm. The results showed that the levels of 1% and 3% Fe3O4 NPs significantly increased water retention, compared to the no NP application control and 5% MgO NPs, which is probably due to the increase of adsorption surfaces in the treated soils. Water contents at field capacity and permanent wilting point in the 5% MgO NP treatment decreased compared to those of the other treatments, due to the increased soil vulnerability and reduced soil fine pores. The application of Fe3O4 NPs did not have any significant effect on soil tensile strength. Based on the results of this study, soil physical and mechanical properties could be affected by NP application.

Nanotechnology offers creative and effective solutions for addressing various environmental issues, such as heavy metals (HM). The rapidly increasing HM concentrations in agricultural land have drawn considerable attention. Nanoparticles (NPs) have special physiochemical features that help reduce stress. This study assessed the viability of applying CeO2NPs 2 NPs and FeONPs to rice plants at a concentration of 25 mg/L to effectively remove the detrimental effects of lead (Pb) by using various concentrations (100 and 200 ppm) on plant development and growth. To achieve the desired concentrations, a Pb solution was prepared by dissolving lead nitrate in distilled water and added to the soil. Interestingly, the application of CeO2NPs 2 NPs and FeONPs resulted in a notable increase in plant growth, biomass, gas exchange characteristics, antioxidant enzymatic activity (SOD, POD, APX, and CAT), their gene expressions, as well as other antioxidants (phenols, prolines, amino acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and ascorbic acids) while simultaneously reducing oxidative stress (MDA, H2O2, 2 O 2 , and electrolyte leakage) and Pb uptake in rice. Conversely, Pb elevation in the soil increased oxidative damage and organic acid exudation pattern in the rice. At 200 ppm, a significant rise in Pb content (416.67 % and 380 %) was found in the roots and leaves of rice plants. According to our findings, rice growth can be bio-stimulated by CeO2NPs 2 NPs and FeONPs. Subsequent investigations should focus on the persistent ecological consequences and molecular mechanisms associated with the application of cerium oxide and iron oxide nanoparticles in agriculture to reduce Pb-induced oxidative stress. (c) 2024 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.