Combined application of zinc oxide nanoparticles and biofertilizer to induce salt resistance in safflower by regulating ion homeostasis and antioxidant defence responses.

摘要: Abstract Salinity is a key devastating abiotic factor that hinders the development and yield of safflower. The sole combined application zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) biofertilizer (BF) to improve salt tolerance in safflower has not been thoroughly explored. response plants pot experiment foliar spray ZnO-NPs alone combination with BF was thus detected. We determined ZnO-NP concentration 17 mg/L sufficient protect against salinity (250 mM NaCl) by increasing plant productivity, percent water content, osmolyte levels. Coapplication Phytoguard protected from stress improving activities antioxidant enzymes decreasing levels proline (leaves (61%) roots (63%)) malondialdehyde (MDA) (54%) (65%)). Under stress, Na+ content increased, while seed coating significantly decreased (74% leaves 60% roots). For K+ concentration, however, antagonistic outcomes were observed. Additionally, treatment enhanced agronomic parameters such as number pods per plant, capitulum weight, yellow wilted under stress. Thus, could be an effective bio-source for protection Our findings showed biofertilizer, more pronounced than single untreated control. A thorough analysis at molecular level, still required understand mechanism which alleviate