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Foliar application of nanofertilizers in agricultural crops -A review

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 J. Farm Sci., 32(3): (239-249),2019

REVIEW ARTICLE
Foliar application of nanofertilizers in agricultural crops – A review

E. IYARIN THANKA MAHIL AND B. N. ARAVINDA KUMAR

Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Dharwad
University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad - 580 005, Karnataka, India
E-mails: [email protected], [email protected]
(Received: August, 2019 ; Accepted: September, 2019)

Abstract: Green revolution had led to the increased consumption of chemical fertilizers which resulted in the higher
productivity on one hand, where as on the other hand it also caused environmental hazards. Nutrient use efficiency of
conventional fertilizers is very low. To overcome all these drawbacks in a better way, nanotechnology can be a ray of hope.
Nano fertilizer is an important tool in agriculture to improve crop growth, yield and quality parameters with increased
nutrient use efficiency, reduction in wastage of fertilizers and cost of cultivation. Nanofertilizers are applied either to soil
and/ or leaves. Foliar application can be done during unfavourable soil and weather conditions. In addition to this, it
promotes the direct entry of nutrients into the plant system, thus reduce the wastage of fertilizer. Hence, foliar application
of nanofertilizer leads to higher nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and has given a rapid response to the growth of crops.
Nanofertilizers are more reactive and can penetrate through cuticle, ensuring controlled release and targeted delivery.
Present review summarizes the mode of action of nanofertilizers in to the plant system and effect of foliar applied
nanofertilizers on crop growth, yield, quality, NUE and alleviation of abiotic stress and heavy metals toxicity.
Key words: Abiotic stress, Foliar spray, Nanofertilizer, Nutrient use efficiency, Phloem tissues

Introduction
It is well known that, each of the nutrient element plays a et al., 2015; Solanki et al., 2015). Indeed, it is necessary to
major role in growth and development of the plants, and when study about the penetration and translocation of nanofertilizer
present in deficient quantities can reduce growth and yields through foliage and its effect on crops with respect of growth
(Tisdale et al., 1993). Soil is the major natural source of plant and development, yield, quality, tolerance to abiotic stress and
nutrients. Soil may support growth and development of wild alleviation of heavy metal toxicity.
flora just sufficient for their survival and regeneration. However,
Penetration and Translocation of nanofertilizer
intensive crop production that aims at high levels of
productivity needs supplemental plant nutrition which may be Foliar applied fertilizers are facing several structural barriers,
given through soil application and/ or foliar application. Soil because the nutrients are salt based (cations/anions) which
application of nutrients is the most common practice, but it has may struggle to penetrate the inner plant tissue cells. This is
many limitations with respect to availability of nutrients to the because of pore size of cell wall that ranges between 5 to 20 nm
plants. The inorganic nutrients get fixed in soil as insoluble (Fleischer et al., 1999; Benzon et al., 2015; Schwab et al., 2015).
forms and also subjected to leaching by rainfall or irrigation Hence, nanoparticles aggregate with diameter less than the
water (Alshaal and El-Ramady, 2017). Moreover, anything which pore size of plant cell wall which can easily enter through the
restricts root growth reduces the nutrient uptake (Trobisch cell wall and reach up to the plasma membrane (Moore, 2006;
and Schilling, 1970). Foliar application overcomes these Navarro et al., 2008). According to the polar pre-model, for the
limitations. In addition to that, foliar feeding has proved to be penetration of the polar and ionic solutes to the cuticle
the fastest way of correcting nutrient deficiencies and the exclusion limit of pore radius for has been estimated as 2 to
increasing yield and quality of crop products (Roemheld and 2.4 nm, where as for the stomatal diffusion the pore radius
El-Fouly, 1999) and it also minimizes environmental pollution always exceeded 20 nm (Eichert and Goldbach, 2008; Pérez-de-
and improves nutrient utilization by reducing the amounts of Luque, 2017). The application of nanofertilizer is promising and
fertilizers added to the soil (Abou-El-nour, 2002). Even though efficient translocation of nutrients to the desired parts of plant
leaves allow gas exchange, but cuticle present in the leaves (Deepa et al., 2015). Engineered nanoparticles can penetrate
restricts the penetration of substances (Schwab et al., 2015; the stomatal pores with the size of less than 50 nm as observed
Pérez-de-Luque, 2017). The nano coated substances enhance by Eichert et al. (2008) in Vicia faba L. and the size exclusion
the penetration via stomata with a size exclusion limit above limit of stomata in the watermelon is 27.3-46.7 nm (Wang et al.,
10 nm (Eichert et al., 2008; Pérez-de-Luque, 2017). In addition 2013). The foliar applied nanoparticles get transported from the
to this, nanocarriers deliver the nutrients in the right place and site of application to the heterotrophic cells, which carried via
right time which reduce the extra amount of active chemicals the phloem vessels likely through the plasmadesmata (40 nm in
deposited into the plant system and increase the nutrient use diameter) (Knoblauch and Oparka, 2012; Etxeberria et al., 2016).
efficiency. Nano-fertilizers have high surface area, sorption The uptake of nanoparticles into plant cells via binding to carrier
capacity, and controlled-release kinetics to targeted sites, and proteins through aquaporin, ion channels and endocytosis
have been considered as smart delivery system (Rameshaiah (Nair et al., 2010; Rico et al., 2011). Nanoparticles can also be

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 J. Farm Sci., 32(3): 2019

transported into the plant by forming complexes with membrane

transporters (Kurepa et al., 2010). Corredor et al. (2009) revealed
that nanoparticles can be entered in to the plant system and
move to through the vascular system. Nanomaterials having
the ability to enter from the atmosphere into the leaf stomata
and then redistribute to the plant parts as observed by Wang
et al. (2013) in watermelon plant and by Hong et al. (2014) in
cucumber leaves (Fig. 1). Deepa et al. (2015) documented that
calcium oxide nanoparticles (n-CaO) get transported via phloem
tissue of groundnut.
In wheat plants nanoparticles were present in phloem
tissues which mean that nanoparticles were taken up and
transported through phloem route from leaves to stem down to
roots, which was documented with transmission electron
microscope (Abdel-Aziz et al., 2018) and also observed by Wang
et al. (2013) and Raliya et al. (2016) in watermelon plant (Fig. 2a
and 2b). Nanoparticles with the diameter of less than 100 nm
can easily penetrate through the stomata of leaves and were
redistributed from leaves to stems through the phloem sieve
elements (Wang et al., 2013). Once the nanoparticle gets entered
Fig.1. Mode of entry and translocation of foliar applied into the plant system which may be transported form one cell
nanoparticles in to the watermelon plant to other cell through plasmodesmata and carried by aquaporins,
(Wang et al., 2013) ion channels, endocytosis or by binding to organic chemicals
(Rico et al., 2011).

Polymers used into slow released nanofertilizer

Polymer helps to release the nutrients in a controlled manner,
a character can be useful in the production of polymer coated
nanofertilizer as smart fertilizer (Jatav and Nirmal, 2013;
Manjunatha et al., 2016). Swati Pund and Amita Joshi (2017)
reviewed that polymeric nanoparticles have a matrix architecture
composed of biodegradable and biocompatible polymers of
synthetic or natural origin. The most widely used synthetic
polymers are polylactide, polylactide - polyglycolide copolymers,
polycaprolactones and polyacrylates. Among the various natural
polymers, alginate, albumin or chitosan have been widely
explored. The biodegradable, polymeric chitosan nanoparticles
Fig. 2a. Presence of nanofertilizer in phloem tissues with the size of 78 nm were used for the controlled release of
(Raliya et al., 2016) NPK fertilizer (Corradini et al., 2010). Sharmila Rahale (2011)
reported that nano-clay based fertilizers (zeolite and
montmorillonite) released the nutrient for a long period of time
(>1000 hr) than conventional fertilizer (< 500 hr). Zeolite is natural
mineral having extensive surface area and can hold wide range
of positive and negetive nutrient ions after suitable partial
modification (Desborough, 1996; Selva and Balakrishnan, 2017).
Kottegoda et al. (2017) produced the Urea-Hydroxyapatite
nanohybrids for slow release of nitrogen and observed that
nanohybrids strongly binds the urea, which released over longer
period of time (up to one week) and the release rate was reduced
by ~12 times compared to that of pure urea. Urea-encapsulated
HA nanoparticles even on the day 60 the nanofertilizer was
releasing nitrogen > 10 mg, clearly showing the efficacy of the
slow release process. In case of commercial fertilizer, the release
Fig. 2b. Absence of nanofertilizer in xylem vessels of nitrogen was within four days (Kottegoda et al., 2011). Pereira
(Raliya et al., 2016) et al. (2015) found that urea loaded polycaprolactone

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Foliar application of nanofertilizers in...............

Table Polymers used in the slow release formulation of fertilizer (Priscila et al., 2017)
Fertilizer used Polymer used Reference
Urea Chitosan Hussain et al., 2012
Polyhydroxybutyrate (phb), ethyl cellulose Costa et al., 2013
Polyethylene, polyvinyl acetate, polyurethane, polyacrylic, polylatic acid Azeem et al., 2014
KH2 PO4 Chitosan, Gellan gum Sabadini et al., 2015
NPK Chitosan Noppakundilograt et al., 2015
Cellulose, natural gums, rosin, waxes Lubkowski and Grzmil, 2007
Parrafins, ester copolymers, urethane composites, alkide resins, polyolefines Senna et al., 2015
KNO 3 Chitosan Melaj and Daraio, 2014
Chitosan-clay (Montmorillonite) Santos et al., 2015
Xanthan Messa et al., 2016

nanocomposites released the nitrogen for a long period of time metabolism, growth regulator metabolism, pollen formation
(> 90 hr) over to conventional urea (< 25 hr). and maintaining the integrity of biological membranes
(Alloway, 2008; El-Tohamy and El-Greadly, 2007; Cakmak,
Selva Preetha and Balakrishnan (2017) reviewed that
2000). Thus, the plant growth promoting harmone contents
releasing pattern of phosphorous fertilizer extended by the
get increased with the application of nano Zn fertilizer.
surface modification of fertilizer using various nanoclays and
zeolite. Nano-formulations have been shown to release Foliar application of nano-iron fertilizer increased the growth
phosphate for an extended period of 40-50 days and the of forage corn and Ocimum basilicum L. because of enhanced
conventional fertilizer let out nutrients only upto 10-12 days. production of crude protein and soluble carbohydrates (Sharifi
The review of literature suggests that surface modified zeolite et al., 2016; Peyvandi et al., 2011). The foliar spray of nTiO2
could be potential strategy to promote phosphorus use increased the total drymatter production of plants by enhancing
efficiency which hardly exceeds 18-20 per cent in conventional nitrogen assimilation, photo-reduction activities of photosystem
system (Sharmila Rahale, 2011). II and electron transport chain and scavenging of reactive oxygen
species (Morteza et al., 2013; Raliya et al., 2015). Janmohammadi
Effect of foliar fertilization of nanofertilizer on growth et al. (2016) stated that foliar application of nTiO2 had no any
parameters significant effect on number of fertile tillers in barley. Because,
Growth number of tillers in wheat and barley is mainly controlled by
Nanofertilizers have important role in physiological and genetic factors and nutrition has a minor effect on this trait
biochemical processes of crops by increasing the availability (Arora and Singh, 2004 and Bouis, 2003).
of nutrients, which help in enhancing metabolic processes and
promoting meristematic activities causing higher apical growth Physiological parameters
and photosynthetic area. It was documented by some research There was a remarkable increase in physiological and
studies, where foliar spraying of nanoformulations of NPK and biochemical parameters of crops with the application of
micronutrients mixture increased the plant height and number nanofertilizers. Biocompatible magnetic nanofluid had positive
of branches in black gram as indicated by Marimuthu and influence on the total chlorophyll content (a and b) in sunflower
Surendran (2015) and also Abdel-Aziz et al. (2018) found that leaves. However, with higher concentrations (> 0.75 % MNF)
nano NPK increased the growth of leaves in wheat, which was the growth rate of the chlorophyll content is negative
obtained by enhanced availability of nutrients by easy (Pirvulescu et al., 2014). Foliar application of nTiO2 has been
penetration of nano formulation of NPK through stomata of recorded significantly higher chlorophyll content, carotenoids
leaves via gas uptake. Foliar applied nitrogen nanofertilizer and anthocyanins of maize crop, which can facilitate an increase
increased the leaf dry weight of peppermint by 165 per cent in corn yield (Morteza et al., 2013). Janmohammadi et al. (2016)
over control (Rostami et al., 2017). found that application of nanosized TiO2 particles as a foliar
Foliar application of zinc nano-fertilizer on pearl millet spray positively influenced the some morphophysiological
(Pennisetum americanum L.) significantly increased shoot characters like days to anthesis and chlorophyll content of
length, root length, root area and plant dry biomass (Tarafdar barley. In fact, nTiO2 can improve structure of chlorophyll and
et al., 2014) and on cotton crop increased fresh weight and helps better capture of sunlight, facilitates manufacture of
dry weight have been recorded due to improved physiological pigments, stimulates rubisco activity and also increases
processes like chlorophyll content and antioxidant activity photosynthesis. Nano formulation of TiO2 improved spinach
(Rezaei and Abbasi, 2014). Growth parameters like plant height, growth and also enhanced nitrogen metabolism, protein and
leaf number and fresh and dry weight of savory plant get chlorophyll contents (Yang and Hong, 2006). In another study,
increased by nano-zinc application (Vafa et al., 2015). Zinc nTiO2 had significantly increased chlorophyll content on the
has an effect on synthesizing of natural auxin (IAA) and also spinach leaves, and it was 17 times higher than the control plot,
can activate many enzymes involved in the biochemical and also photosynthetic rate get increased by 29 per cent
pathways such as carbohydrate metabolism, protein compared to control (Gao et al., 2008).
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J. Farm Sci., 32(3): 2019

Nano-chelate zinc fertilizer application proved to enhance Singh and Aravinda Kumar, 2017 revealed that application of
the activity of peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenol oxidase nano ZnS 500 ppm at 55 days after sowing significantly
enzymes in cotton and soybean crops which inceases the increased the seed yield of sunflower. Nano ZnO has proved to
shoot and root growth (Rezaei and Abbasi, 2014; Weisany et be more effective in enhancing productivity and absorption of
al., 2012). In pearl millet crop increased chlorophyll content, Zn because of high surface area to volume ratio (Khanm et al.,
total soluble leaf protein and plant dry biomass were obtained 2018). The required dosage of nano based Zn fertilizer had 10
with foliar application of zinc nano-fertilizer (Tarafdar et al., folds less than the conventional ZnSO4 (Dapkekar et al., 2018).
2014) and in savory plants the contents of chlorophyll, It was suggested that nanofertilizer application increased grain
essential oil and phosphours were increased by nano-zinc zinc content without affecting grain yield, protein content,
application (Vafa et al., 2015). Foliar application of zinc spikelets per spike, 1000 kernel weight, etc., owing to enhanced
absorption by leaf epidermis and remobilization in to the grain enzyme activity and carbohydrate metabolism leading to an an
through phloem and several membranes of zinc regulated increased yield (Afshar et al., 2014). Nano-scale zinc oxide
transporters which might have regulated this process (Bashier particle at 40 ppm treatment was associated with increased rice
et al. 2012; Mekkdad, 2017). grain yield and its components in mid tillering and PI stages
(Ghasemi et al., 2017). Foliar application of metal oxide nano-
Nanofertilizer application increased the antioxidant potential
particles viz.,MgO, ZnO and CuO recorded more than 22, 33
in rice, antioxidants are secondary metabolites produced under
and 18 per cent of seed cotton yield, respectively than control
unfavorable conditions faced by the plants such as water stress,
(Anon., 2016). In pomegranate, fruit yield and number of fruits
salinity and limited nutrients. Moreover, nanofertilizer
per tree get increased with the foliar spraying of nano-scale
application was supplemental, its better absorption through
zinc and boron fertilizers (34 mg B tree-1 or 636 mg Zn tree-1,
plant cells somehow provided enough nutrients to enhance
respectively) (Davarpanah et al., 2016).
antioxidant activities (Benzon et al., 2015). The cardioprotective,
antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic effects of phenolic Janmohammadi et al. (2016) reported that foliar application
compounds are reported to be generally associated with their of nTiO2 manipulates growth of barely, resulting in beneficial
antioxidant properties that eliminate free radicals and alleviate changes in yield and yield components. These possible reason
lipid peroxidation (Potter, 2005). for such a beneficial role is due to increase in activity of
photosynthesis by promoting cyclic and linear
Yield phosphorylation by spraying of nano TiO2 (Gao et al., 2013)
In the last few years, some researchers tried to examine the and it enhanced the photoassimilates supply in leaves (i.e.,
potential of nanofertilizers to increase the yield of crops. Foliar increasing source capacity) which ultimately increased the
applications of nanofertilizer had reflected in improvement in yield attributes. The application of nanofertilizers improved
yield parameters of wheat plants (Abdel-Aziz et al., 2018). Foliar fertilizer use efficiency and significantly increased the grain
spray of NPK nanofertilizers in chickpea increased the yield yield and straw yield of barley (Janmohammadi et al., 2016).
and yield components as a result of increased growth hormone The application of nTiO 2 improved the photosynthetic
activity and enhancement of metabolic process, tended to complexes and nitrogen metabolism which led to increase in
increase in flowering and grain formation (Drostkar et al., 2016). fresh and dry mass of plant (Gao et al., 2013; Morteza et al.,
Application of nanofertilizers have greater role in enhancing 2013; Klingenfuss, 2014; Tarafdar et al., 2014; Janmohammadi
cotton yield production besides reducing the cost of fertilizer et al., 2016). Morteza et al. (2013) found that nano TiO2 applied
and also minimizing the pollution hazard. Significant increases as a foliar spray in maize crop enhanced plant growth and
of total and open bolls per plant, boll weight and seed cotton grain yield by its efficient photocatalyst activity, which
yield with the foliar nanofertilizers application than soil promoted the manufacturing of pigments and transformation
application (Sohair et al., 2018). Drostkar et al. (2016) suggested of light energy to active electron and chemical activity. The
that foliar application of zinc, iron and NPK manipulates the use of iron nano-fertilizer on soybean crop improved the yield
growth of chickpea, resulting in beneficial effects on yield and (Sheykhbaglou et al., 2010). Iron is a component of ferrodoxin
yield components. and it may improve photosynthesis; iron deficiency might be
Tarafdar et al. (2014) reported that zinc nano-fertilizer applied a restricting factor for vegetative growth (Hazra et al. 1987).
as foliar spray on pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum L.) Delfani et al. (2014) suggested that spraying of 0.5 g L-1 nano
significantly increased the grain yield by 37.7 per cent and also Fe to the black-eyed pea improved the number of pods per
Rezaei and Abbasi (2016) suggested that application of nano- plant, weight of 1000 seeds, yield, and chlorophyll content
chelate of zinc can improve cotton performance by increasing compared to common Fe. Nano-Fe fertilizer application at
the number of bolls per plant and boll weight. Meena Dharam tillering and stem elongation did increase the number of seeds
Singh, (2015) reported that seed oil content increased with per spike, whereas early application of Fe fertilizer decreased
increased concentration of nano ZnS in sunflower. In the number of seeds per spike in wheat. Hence, the foliar
groundnut crop pod yield gets increased with the application application of Fe was more suitable than seed dressing or soil
of nano-scale zinc oxide compared to ZnSO4 application, on application attributable to being a suitable time for seed
account of nano-scale zinc is absorbed by plants to larger extent formation. In addition, Fe availability can increase the leaf
than its chemical form (Prasad et al., 2012). Meena Dharam area index, leaf area duration, and decreased leaves

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Foliar application of nanofertilizers in...............

senescence that can increase economic yield (Armin et al., in the metabolism of carbohydrate, protein and plant hormones
2014). In another study, Jaberzadeh et al. (2013) recorded 23.3 especially IAA and helps in the formation of starch and seed
per cent increase in grain yield with a foliar application of maturity (Fageria et al., 2002; El-Metwally et al., 2018). Nano-Fe
2 per cent Nano-Fe over the control. appreciably influenced the seed protein content by 2 per cebt
compared to common Fe in black-eyed pea (Delfani et al., 2014).
Spraying of manganese nanoparticles has been shown to
Ashpakbeg Jamadar (2016) reported the positive effect of foliar
increase growth, yield and its components compared with
applied NPs which enhanced the zinc uptake in upland paddy by
manganese sulphate on Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek (Ghafariyan
48 per cent over control and enzyme activity by 53 per cent.
et al., 2013). Application of 30 ppm nano iron, manganese and
zinc fertilizers produced maximum values of yield and yield Alleviation of abiotic stress
attributes of peanut (El-Metwally et al., 2018) by reason of
Abiotic stresses include salinity, drought, heavy metals,
increased nutrient use efficiency of nano-fertilizers which
flooding, chilling, freezing, heat, ozone and ultraviolet
enhance pigments formation, photosynthesis rate, dry matter
radiation. Among abiotic stresses salinity and drought
production and thus leading to better growth and yield (Quary
represent a great threat to crop production all over the world.
et al., 2006; Hediat, 2012; Mekkdad 2017). The tuber yield of
These abiotic stresses including drought and salinity may
potato increased with the foliar application of nanosilver
cause a loss in crop production about 50 per cent (Wang et
possibly by reason of its antimicrobial effect which might have
al., 2003). Salinity causes nutrient imbalance, membrane
helped seed tubers to stay healthier for longer time in the soil
damage and enzymatic inhibition in the plants by ionic and
and subsequently produced more vigorous plants (Tahmasbi
osmotic stress (Hasanuzzaman et al., 2013). In addition, soil
et al., 2011). Foliar applied nano chelate molybdenum has a
salinity negatively interferes with the water availability to
significant effect on the traits such as plant height, number of
plants, absorption of essential nutrients and crop yields and
pods per plant, number of ripe pods per plant, hundred seed
qualities (Grattan and Grieve, 1999). One of the most important
weight, seed number per plant, seed length and seed and pods
solutions is to use the nanomaterials in alleviating the harmful
yield and the number of lateral branches and the biological
effects of these stresses.
performance of peanut (Mehrangiz et al., 2014).
Nanomaterials may mimic the role of antioxidative enzymes
Quality like peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase. These
Nutrients are required for improving the quality parameters antioxidants and enzymes are continuously scavenging the
of crops. In this aspect, nanofertilizer application gave better reactive oxygen species (Upadhyaya et al., 2015). Soil salinity
quality of crop products than the conventional fertilizer, which declines growth parameters, i.e. dry matter, uptake of N, P, K,
was supported by some research studies. Fibre quality Na and Ca and yield of cotton. Under saline conditions the
parameters of cotton like uniformity ratio and fibre strength growth of roots affected, which reduces the nutrient uptake.
were improved by the application of metal oxide nanoparticles Application of nano Zn enhanced the root penetration and
than control (Anon., 2016). Prasad et al. (2012) found that the increase uptake of nutrients as reported by Hussein and Abou-
application of fertilizer in nanoform is completely controlled Baker (2018) and it caused significant changes in fresh and dry
and has led to an increase yield and protein content in peanut. weight of rice (Upadhyaya et al. 2015), in biomass production
Foliar application of nano-forms of iron and zinc fertilizers of sunflower (Torabian et al., 2016), in grain yield of wheat
increased the phosphorus concentration, biomass, and crude under salinity stress (Babaei et al., 2017) and in yield of maize
protein and soluble carbohydrate concentration in forage corn under drought (Farnia et al., 2015). Soliman et al. (2015) reported
over chemical forms of fertilizers, (Sharifi et al., 2016). It was that the salt stress can be alleviated in Moringa plants using
suggested that a positive close relationship between protein foliar applications of ZnO and Fe3O4 NPs-containing Hoagland
concentration and the concentration of iron and zinc in corn. solution by enhancing enzyme activity related to salt tolerance.
Sham (2017) reported that foliar application of ZnO nanoparticles Accumulation of less Na is an important Indicatior of salt
increased the quality parameters like oil content in sunflower. tolerance in plants. Potasium (K) content reflects salt
Zinc fertilizers increased soluble carbohydrate concentration, tolerance in plants alleviating the adverse effects of NaCl
probably due to involvement of zinc in photosynthesis, on nutrients uptake through improving root growth and
chlorophyll synthesis, starch formation and enzyme carbonic preventing nutritional disorders and increasing in nutrients
anhydrase, accelerating carbohydrate formation (Singh and uptake by the roots (El-Fouly et al., 2002). Because of larger
Kumar, 2012; Soleymani et al., 2012; Sharifi et al., 2016). In specific surface area and more reactive areas of nanoparticles
peanut, total carbohydrate, total soluble sugars, protein and helped in enhanced enzyme activity related to salt tolerance.
oil percentages in seeds increased by nanofertilizers The nanoparticles (NP) simplify the absorption of fertilizer
(El-Metwally et al., 2018). In protein content zinc element had and enhances the effect of hoagland solution by increasing
an additive role for protein formation that showed an important the avialabilty of Fe and Zn, which are involved in the salt
role in the protein content of plants (Safyan et al., 2012). tolerance mechanism. The foliar application of 200 ppm nano-
Zinc plays a positive role in root develepment, which helps Zn to the cotton crop under stress condition helps to
plants absorb important nutrients, especially nitrogen increase the cotton growth and yield (Hussein and Abou-
responsible for protein synthesis. Additionally, zinc is involved Baker, 2018).

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J. Farm Sci., 32(3): 2019

The application of SiO2 nanofertilizer can have a positive nanofertilizers, single micronutrient nanofertilizers viz.,
effect on plant growth and yield of cucumber under salinity Nanobor, Nanomag and Nanozinc also showed the positive
condition through improved uptake of nitrogen and results on number of bolls, boll weight and seed cotton yield
phosphorous and reducing the Na content. The SiO 2 (Anon., 2016). Moreover, foliar spraying of nano iron oxide
nanoparticle as foliar application avoided leaching loss of N recorded significant increase in boll weight and seed cotton
and helped in more accumulation of nitrogen in leaf (Siddique, yield compared to magnetite nanoparticles, normal iron oxide
2014). Foliar applied SiO2 might help in increasing cell wall and iron sulphate fertilizers (Anon., 2015).
turgidity, strength and also cell wall elasticity during growth
In another trial, 10 per cent nano NPK fertilizer which is
extension (Yassen et al, 2017). Also, Zurccani (2008) found that
commercial one, treated as a foliar spray on wheat crop
application of Si counter the negative effects of salinity in
improved the quality of wheat grain (Abdel-Aziz et al., 2018).
Phaseolus vulgaris L. by decreasing in stomatal conductance
Foliar application of commercial nano- fertilizer (potacrystal
and increasing antioxidative enzymes activity.
and phosphoone) at two or three stages (vegetative, flowering
Jaberzadeh et al. (2013) reported that water deficit stress or filling) increased yield and yield components of faba bean
caused significant decrease in plant growth, yield and yield in both seasons (Gomaa et al., 2016) and also in maize crop
components. In addition, application of titanium dioxide (Gomaa et al., 2017).
nanoparticles at 0.02 per cent increased the growth of wheat
crop. Thus, the application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles Phytotoxicity
under conditions of water deficit stress is recommended. Few studies have reported negative effects of nanoparticles
Titanium improves rubisco activity and increases the CO2 on higher plants. The deposition of nanoparticles like titanium
metabolism, increases photosynthesis and improves yield (Gao oxide, zinc oxide, cerium oxide, and silver nanoparticles on the
et al., 2006). Generally under water stress condition gluten and surface of cell and in the organelles can cause oxidative stress
starch content of wheat get reduced, the application of nano to the cell by the stimulation of oxidative stress signaling (Buzea
TiO2 improves these contents may be due to the positive et al., 2007). Foliar application of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on maize
correlation between titanium application and photosynthesis crop at high or low concentration affects the photosynthesis
rate (Zhao et al., 2009; Jaberzadeh et al., 2013). In maize crop as well as interfere with the plasma membrane ion channels
with the foliar spraying of nano Zn nutrient increased the yield (Racuciu and Creanga, 2007). Tan et al. (2009) observed that in
and yield components under water stress condition (Amin and Oryza sativa with the application of multi-walled carbon
Mohammad, 2015). nanotubes (MWCNTs), which increased the production of
reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress caused by
Alleviation of heavy metals toxicity Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the shoots and roots of cucurbits as
Nanofertilizers may be more effective than regular fertilizers observed by Wang et al. (2011). Some research suggested that
in improving plant nutrition, enhancing nutrition use efficiency, with the application of Ag-NPs, which interfered membrane
and protecting plants from environmental stress. The cadmium proteins and activate signaling pathways, that led to inhibition
(Cd) generally decreases the growth and the contents of Mg, of cell proliferation (Roh et al., 2012; Kumari et al., 2009;
Fe, Zn, chlorophyll a, and glutathione (GSH) particularly when Gopinath et al., 2010) and one more study conducted by Dimkpa
accompanied by a significant increase in Cd accumulation et al. (2013) suggested that higher concentration of Ag
(Wang et al., 2012). Foliar application with 2.5 mM nano-silicon application causes the accumulation of Ag in shoots. Increasing
alleviated Cd stress in rice seedlings as a result of enhanced of Ag ions produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) that leads
the availability of Mg, Fe, and Zn nutrition, and the contents of to oxidative stress, which reduces the root and shoot growth
chlorophyll a and decreased Cd accumulation and translocation of wheat.
of Cd from root to shoot (Wang et al., 2014). The Cd treatment Nano-Mg demonstrated to give the greatest PMDI (plasma-
produced oxidative stress to rice seedlings indicated by a higher membrane which damages index), suggesting that the
lipid peroxidation level and enhanced antioxidant enzymes application of nano-Mg would be harmful to the membrane of
activity such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), black-eyed pea (Delfani et al., 2014). In drought conditions,
and catalase (CAT), and a lower glutothionine (GSH) content. applied nanofertilizers in rice alter the gene expression for protein
However, those nano-Si-treated plants had lower synthesis during grain development (Mushtaq et al., 2008). An
malondialdehyde (MDA) but higher GSH content and different investigation by Liu et al. (2008) revealed that foliar application
antioxidant enzyme activities, indicating a higher Cd tolerance of nanofertilizer on wheat decreased the protein content and
in them (Shi et al., 2010; Zeng et al., 2011; Wang et al., 2011). increased the fat content.
Commercial nanofertilizer Negative effects on human
Now-a-days, some fertilizer companies are producing Nanoparticles can easily enter into the biological systems
nanfertilizers commercially. In cotton the growth and yield gets which is not possible for the larger particles. Nanoparticles may
increased with the foliar application of commercial nanofertilizer cross cell membrane which depends on the dimension of
nanomol than the other commercially available nanofertilizers nanoparticle. There is a possibility to inhale the nanoparticles
viz., Richfield, Agriklik and Nualgi. Unlike combined nutrient by farm workers while spraying, which can reach the blood and
244
Foliar application of nanofertilizers in...............

may reach other target sites such as brain, liver or heart (Steve agriculture is still in its budding stage. However, it has the
Suppan, 2017). These nanoparticles might affect the regulatory potential to revolutionize agricultural systems particularly
mechanisms of enzymes and other proteins (Bhushan, 2007). where the issues on fertilizer applications are concerned.
There is a chance of nanoparticles entering into the food chains Application of different nanofertilizers have greater role in
which ultimately affects the human health system. Hence, there enhancing crop production. This will reduce the cost of
is an urgent need to develop human resources with an fertilizer for crop production and also minimize the pollution
understanding of the complexities of the agricultural production hazard. Nanofertilizers are more soluble or more reactive and
system to serve nanotechnology applications in agriculture it can improve penetration through cuticle, which also
successfully (Siddhartha, 2014). performs controlled release and targeted delivery.
Nanofertilizers improve crop growth, yield, quality and
Conclusion increased NUE, alleviate the abiotic stress and heavy metals
The production of engineered nanomaterials is a scientific toxicity. Meanwhile, there is awareness created on the risks
breakthrough in material design and the development of new of consuming and performing few operations rather than
consumer products. Application of nanotechnology in the benefits and effectiveness of the technology.

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