Response of wheat genotypes to foliar spray of ZnO and Fe2O3 nanoparticles under salt stress

This study evaluated the effects of iron oxide (Fe2O3) and zinc oxide (ZnO) on two wheat genotypes (Kavir and Tajan) at three levels (0, 75, and 150mM sodium chloride (NaCl)) of salinity. Spray treatments included two forms of normal and nanoparticles of Fe2O3 and ZnO, a mixture of nanoparticles of Fe2O3 and ZnO (2gL(-1)) and a non-spray treatment. The pot experiment was arranged as factorial in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Two forms of Fe2O3 and ZnO significantly accelerated plant height, leaf area, shoot dry weight, and the concentration of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in comparison with non-spray treatment. The highest plant height and leaf Fe concentration belonged to Fe2O3 nanoparticles; however, it seems that the spray of nanoparticles may not be superior compared with normal forms in alleviation of salinity impacts.