Biogenic synthesis of potassium nanoparticles and their evaluation as a growth promoter in wheat
2021
Sheoran, Promila | Goel, Sonia | Boora, Rekha | Kumari, Santosh | Yashveer, Shikha | Grewal, Sapna
For plant, Potassium is the vital nutrient that plays major role in growth, yield, development, metabolism alongwith controlling enzymatic activity and regulating physiological functions of plants. We report the first ever biogenic synthesis of potassium nanoparticles using Morus alba plant leaf extract and its promising ability to promote growth in wheat. The synthesized nano particles were characterized in detail for their morphological and stability-related parameters. The potassium nanoparticles were found to be in the size range of 21–30 nm as per the TEM measurement. The efficacy of potassium nanoparticles was assessed vis-a-vis conventionally applied potassium fertilizers on wheat plants. Three different concentrations of nano‑potassium (20 ppm, 40 ppm, 60 ppm) were tested along with a control (with no external added potassium supplement) and chemical fertilizer counterpart (Potassium Sulphate) under field conditions. Nano‑potassium application resulted in an overall increase in the number of spikelets per spike, number of spikes, crop yield, total protein content & photosynthetic pigments of wheat. The activity of phosphate mobilizing enzymes -acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase was also recorded which was found to be increased on application of nano‑potassium indicating its better use efficiency by the plant. Nano‑potassium sprayed plants also utilized the maximum amount of exchangeable potassium from soil leading to least amount of potassium loss via leaching. Our work presents a novel potassium nanofertilizer which clearly promotes growth & yield of wheat without any undesirable harmful effects to environment.
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