Effect of foliar application of nano-nutrients solution on growth and biochemical attributes of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) under drought stress

IntroductionDrought stress has drastically hampered the growth and yield of many crops. Therefore, environmentally safe agricultural techniques are needed to mitigate drought stress impact. To this end, foliar spray of nano-nutrients solution to (NNS) alleviate harmful aspects of drought stress. MethodsIn a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment, seedlings were transplanted into pots at 2-3 leaf stage, each filled with loam-compost- organic manure soil (3:1:1). Plants were divided into two groups. (a) control group (b) applied stress group. Plants at vegetative stage were treated with 100% FC for control group and 60% FC for drought group, and these levels were maintained until harvesting. Three treatments of NNS with four levels i.e., 0%, 1%, 3% and 5% were given to all the pots after two weeks of drought stress treatment with a gap of 5 days at vegetative stage. Results and discussionApplication of 1% of nano-nutrient solution displayed an improvement in shoot length, shoot fresh and dry weight, number of leaves and flowers. Leaf chlorophylls and carotenoids and total phenolics contents were found maximum while minimum electrolyte leakage was observed at 3% application compared to control. Further, 1% application of NNS increased the Leaf RWC%, total soluble sugars, flavonoids contents. 5% NNS application exhibited higher total free amino acids with minimum lipid peroxidation rate in leaves of tomato under drought. Antioxidant enzyme activities increased in a concentration dependent manner as gradual increase was observed at 1%, 3% and 5%, respectively. Overall, this study introduced a new insights on using nano-nutrient solutions to maintain natural resources and ensure agricultural sustainability

Automated summary

Drought stress severely affects crop growth and yield, thus requiring environmentally friendly agricultural techniques to mitigate its impact. This study used a nano-nutrient solution (NNS) for foliar spray to alleviate the harmful effects of drought stress. Results showed that application of 1% NNS improved shoot length, weight, leaf and flower numbers. It also increased chlorophyll, carotenoid, phenolic contents, and reduced electrolyte leakage. 1% NNS application increased leaf water content, soluble sugars, and flavonoid contents. Higher levels of NNS application (5%) increased amino acid content and reduced lipid peroxidation rate. Antioxidant enzyme activities also increased with increasing NNS concentration. Overall, this study provides new insights into the use of nano-nutrient solutions for maintaining natural resources and ensuring agricultural sustainability.