The Effects of nano-copper, -molybdenum, -boron, and -silica on pea (Pisum sativum L.) growth, antioxidant properties, and mineral uptake

Abstract

Before applying nanoparticles (NPs) for outdoor use, their effects on plants must be verified in a controlled chamber. Molybdenum (Mo) is important for nitrate uptake and boron (B) is necessary for peas (Pisum sativum L.) growth, copper (Cu) is important for cellular redox state and silicon (Si) makes the plant tissue stronger. However, it is not clear what concentrations would be beneficial or toxic to pea if used Mo, B, Cu, and Si in the form of NPs. This experiment aimed to determine the concentration-dependent effects of silica (SiO2), Cu, Mo, and B NPs on pea growth, antioxidant properties, and mineral uptake. The study was performed in a controlled environment chamber in 16-h daylight cycles to evaluate the significance of different concentrations of SiO2, CuO, Mo, and B NPs for the response of pea plants. In this study were performed growth, non-destructive measurements, chemical antioxidant efficiency (total phenolic compounds, DPPH, ABTS), lipid peroxidation, and hydroxide amount analyzed, also macro- and microelement uptake was evaluated. The most effective and statistically reliable effects were obtained using the following NPs suspension concentrations: SiO2 – 100, 50 ppm; CuO – 12.5 ppm; Mo – 100, 50 ppm; B – 12.5 ppm. The experiment showed that Mo and SiO2 NPs had a positive effect at all concentrations, and B and CuO NPs at 100 ppm were toxic to peas. It has been found that SiO2, Cu, Mo, B NPs can have both positive and negative effects on pea growth, antioxidant system, and mineral uptake depending on the concentration.