Molecular Mechanisms of Early Flowering in Tomatoes Induced by Manganese Ferrite (MnFe2O4) Nanomaterials

Nanomaterials (NMs) have demonstrated enormous potential to improve agricultural production. Ten mg L-1 of customized manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) NMs was selected as the optimal dose based on its outstanding effects on promoting tomato flowering and production. After the foliar application before flowering, MnFe2O4 NMs increased the leaf chlorophyll content by 20 percent, and significantly upregulated the expressions of ferredoxin, PsaA, and PsbA in leaves, likely by serving as an electron donor, leading to a significant increase in photosynthesis efficiency by 13.3%. Long distance transport of sucrose was then confirmed by the upregulation of sucrose transporter SUT1 and SUT2 in NM-treated leaves and meristems. The genes associated with gibberellin biosynthesis, including GA20ox2, GA20ox3, and SIGAST, and a flowering induction gene SFT, were also significantly upregulated. Importantly, the flowering time was 13 days earlier by MnFe2O4 NMs over the control. At the reproductive stage, MnFe2O4 NMs increased pollen activity and ovule size, leading to the significant increase in fruit number per plant, single fruit weight, and fruit weight per plant by 50%, 30%, and 75%, respectively. Metabolically, a significant increase of glucose-6-phosphate, phenylalanine, rutin, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), as well as a significant decrease of tomatine and methionine, demonstrates an increased nutritional value of the tomato fruits. A verified companion field experiment showed an increase of 84.1% in total tomato production with the MnFe2O4 NM amendment. These findings provide support for the early flowering and yield improvement in nano-enabled agricultural systems.

Automated summary

The study found that customized manganese ferrite nanomaterials can significantly improve the growth and yield of tomatoes. Foliar application of nanomaterials increased chlorophyll content, improved photosynthesis efficiency, and altered gene expression in leaves. The nanomaterials also promoted long-distance transport of sucrose and hormone biosynthesis, resulting in earlier flowering and increased fruit production in tomatoes. Additionally, the nutritional value of tomato fruits was enhanced.