Assessment of Zn, Cu and Mn nanoparticle usage on the growth and yield of rice
July 24, 2025
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| Article Title: | Assessment of Zn, Cu and Mn nanoparticle usage on the growth and yield of rice |
| Authors: | Igiebor F.A., Ikhajiagbe B. |
| Affiliation: | Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Computing, Wellspring University, Benin City, Nigeria Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria |
| Abstract: | Nanotechnology has emerged as a sustainable tool for enhancing crop productivity, especially through the application of green-synthesized nanoparticles (NPs). This study evaluated the effects of biosynthesized zinc (ZnNP), copper (CuNP), and manganese (MnNP) nanoparticles from Carica papaya, Azadirachta indica, and Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf extracts on the growth performance of Nerica rice grown in ferruginous soil. The experiment was conducted in the Botanic Garden, University of Benin, Nigeria. Ferruginous soil was collected and characterized for physicochemical properties. Aqueous extracts of the selected plant leaves were used to biosynthesize ZnNPs, CuNPs, and MnNPs, which were characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Nerica rice seeds were sown in perforated bowls arranged in a completely randomized design. Synthesized nanoparticles were foliar-applied four weeks after sowing, with a booster application two weeks later. Growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, physiological parameters, and chlorosis were assessed over an 11-week period. Soil and plant biochemical analyses followed standard protocols. Data were analyzed using SPSS v21. Ferruginous soil had low organic matter (1.12 %), high iron content (442.7 mg/kg), acidic pH (5.8), and was sandy loam in texture. Application of ZnNP, CuNP, and MnNP significantly enhanced plant height (93.2 cm with 25 % CuNP from Azadirachta indica), leaf number, grain yield, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant parameters compared to the control. Therefore, biosynthesized metal nanoparticles positively influenced rice growth and yield in ferruginous soil, indicating their potential as eco-friendly agricultural inputs. Future research should focus on field-scale validation and nanoparticle uptake mechanisms. |
| Keywords: | ferruginous soil, nanoparticles, Oryza sativa, plant extracts, growth, yield. |
| *Correspondence: | Francis Aibuedefe Igiebor, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Computing, Wellspring University, Benin City, Nigeria, Tel. +234-(0) 8033809330, email: francis.igiebor@lifesci.uniben.edu |
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