Green Nano-Technologyinduced Geneticvariation and Diversity Approaches Towards Biofortification in Triticum Species
- M.Sc. (Agri)
- Dharwad University of Agricultural Sciences 2024
- 205 32 Cms
ABSTRACT
Micronutrient deficiency, specifically zinc (Zn), is prevalent in developing countries. Hence, Biofortification of crops using nanotechnology offers a promising solution to enhance in crops. The present study assessed the effects of green-synthesized zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs)fromSauropusandrogynusleafextract(ZnNPs-PE)andPseudomonasisolateAUDP 209 (ZnNPs-ME) in wheat genotypes. Thus, synthesized NPs characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy,SEM,XRD,andparticle sizeanalysis. Underlaboratorycondition,amongthree concentration and two soaking durations were, standardized and the seed priming withZnNPs-PE and ZnNPs-ME at 500 ppm for 2 and 4 hours respectively showed improved germination, root length, and shoot length. This enhancement is due to role of ZnNPs in increasing nutrient transporter expression, which boosts nutrient uptake and enzyme activation. Biochemical analyses revealed higher total dehydrogenase and alpha-amylase activities, linked to bioactive compounds in the microbial and leaf extract. Furthur, resulted in lower electrical conductivity, indicating better membrane integrity and reduced ion leakage. ZnNPs seed priming improved protein synthesis, nutrient uptake (Fe and Zn), metabolic efficiency, and minimized protein degradation. ZnNPs seed priming significantly improved yield traits, including grains per spike and grain yield, with high heritability and GAM, making these traits suitable for breeding programs. Path coefficient analysis revealed that ZnNPs seed priming positively affected yield traits through both direct and indirecteffects on grain yield. Among the wheat species, Dicoccum wheat consistently showed the highest levels of zinc, iron and protein contentcompared to bread wheat and durum wheat. Notably, the genotypes DDK 508031, DDK 50931 and UASQ332 showed significant improvement in Zn content, highlighting the potential of ZnNPs applications in enhancing wheat biofortification and nutritional quality. ZnNPs not only significantly enhanced wheat yield but also grain nutritional quality and thus demonstrating their potential for crop biofortification and addressing micronutrient deficiencies.