Interaction of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with Citrus maxima leaves and the corresponding physiological effects via foliar application

Publication Overview
TitleInteraction of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with Citrus maxima leaves and the corresponding physiological effects via foliar application
AuthorsHu J, Guo H, Li J, Wang Y, Xiao L, Xing B
TypeJournal Article
Journal NameJournal of nanobiotechnology
Volume15
Issue1
Year2017
Page(s)51
CitationHu J, Guo H, Li J, Wang Y, Xiao L, Xing B. Interaction of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with Citrus maxima leaves and the corresponding physiological effects via foliar application. Journal of nanobiotechnology. 2017 Jul 11; 15(1):51.

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Nutrient-containing nanomaterials have been developed as fertilizers to foster plant growth and agricultural yield through root applications. However, if applied through leaves, how these nanomaterials, e.g. γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs), influence the plant growth and health are largely unknown. This study is aimed to assess the effects of foliar-applied γ-Fe2O3 NPs and their ionic counterparts on plant physiology of Citrus maxima and the associated mechanisms.

RESULTS
No significant changes of chlorophyll content and root activity were observed upon the exposure of 20-100 mg/L γ-Fe2O3 NPs and Fe(3+). In C. maxima roots, no oxidative stress occurred under all Fe treatments. In the shoots, 20 and 50 mg/L γ-Fe2O3 NPs did not induce oxidative stress while 100 mg/L γ-Fe2O3 NPs did. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the dosages of γ-Fe2O3 NPs and Fe(3+) and iron accumulation in shoots. However, the accumulated iron in shoots was not translocated down to roots. We observed down-regulation of ferric-chelate reductase (FRO2) gene expression exposed to γ-Fe2O3 NPs and Fe(3+) treatments. The gene expression of a Fe(2+) transporter, Nramp3, was down regulated as well under γ-Fe2O3 NPs exposure. Although 100 mg/L γ-Fe2O3 NPs and 20-100 mg/L Fe(3+) led to higher wax content, genes associated with wax formation (WIN1) and transport (ABCG12) were downregulated or unchanged compared to the control.

CONCLUSIONS
Our results showed that both γ-Fe2O3 NPs and Fe(3+) exposure via foliar spray had an inconsequential effect on plant growth, but γ-Fe2O3 NPs can reduce nutrient loss due to their the strong adsorption ability. C. maxima plants exposed to γ-Fe2O3 NPs and Fe(3+) were in iron-replete status. Moreover, the biosynthesis and transport of wax is a collaborative and multigene controlled process. This study compared the various effects of γ-Fe2O3 NPs, Fe(3+) and Fe chelate and exhibited the advantages of NPs as a foliar fertilizer, laying the foundation for the future applications of nutrient-containing nanomaterials in agriculture and horticulture. Graphical abstract γ-Fe2O3 NPs exposed on plants via foliar spray and genes associated with the absorption and transformation of iron, as well as wax synthesis and secretion in Citrus maxima leaves.

Features
This publication contains information about 5 features:
Feature NameUniquenameType
ActinActingenetic_marker
Nramp3Nramp3genetic_marker
FRO2FRO2genetic_marker
ABCG12ABCG12genetic_marker
WIN1WIN1genetic_marker
Stocks
This publication contains information about 1 stocks:
Stock NameUniquenameType
Citrus maximaCitrus maximaaccession
Properties
Additional details for this publication include:
Property NameValue
Journal CountryEngland
Publication ModelElectronic
ISSN1477-3155
eISSN1477-3155
Publication Date2017 Jul 11
Journal AbbreviationJ Nanobiotechnology
DOI10.1186/s12951-017-0286-1
Elocation10.1186/s12951-017-0286-1
LanguageEnglish
Language Abbreng
Publication TypeJournal Article