Article

Enhancing drought tolerance in wheat using zinc and iron nanoparticles: Implications for sustainable industrial crop productivity

Sammer FatimaDepartment of Botany, University of Gujrat, Gujrat 50700, PakistanMaryam FatimaDepartment of Botany, University of Gujrat, Gujrat 50700, PakistanTehniyat FatimaDepartment of Botany, University of Gujrat, Gujrat 50700, PakistanAyma SarfrazDepartment of Botany, University of Gujrat, Gujrat 50700, PakistanHuma QureshiTauseef AnwarDepartment of Botany, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, PakistanHossam S. El‐BeltagiAgricultural Biotechnology Department, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi ArabiaIbrokhim IsmoilovDepartment of Genetics and biotechnology, Andijan State University, University st-129, Andijan 170100, UzbekistanFeruza TukhtaboevaDepartment of Genetics and biotechnology, Andijan State University, University st-129, Andijan 170100, UzbekistanNazih Y. RebouhDepartment of Environmental Management, Institute of Environmental Engineering, RUDN University, Miklukho-Maklaya St., Moscow 117198, RussiaMaryam M. AlomranDepartment of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaMohd Asif ShahKardan University, Parwane Du, 1001, Kabul, Afghanistan

Industrial Crops and Productsjournal2025en

ABI

Abstract

Drought is a major constraint to wheat productivity, reducing growth, water balance, and photosynthetic capacity. This study evaluated the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs; ∼43 nm) and iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO-NPs; ∼58 nm) on three wheat cultivars (Johar-16, Faisalabad-08, and Aas) under hydroponic (20 % PEG-6000) and pot (irrigation withholding) experiments. Objectives were to quantify drought-induced changes, assess whether NPs alleviate these effects, and identify cultivar-specific responses. Drought reduced shoot length from 67.3 ± 1.8 cm to 51.2 ± 2.1 cm, relative water content (RWC) from 89.6 ± 2.4 % to 72.3 ± 2.7 %, and increased proline twofold (3.24 ± 0.18 vs. 1.61 ± 0.11 µmol g⁻¹ FW). ZnO-NPs (60 ppm) were most effective in enhancing shoot length (66.7 ± 1.9 cm in Johar-16), improving root biomass (4.12 ± 0.14 g), and restoring RWC (88.4 ± 2.2 %). FeO-NPs showed stronger effects on shoot dry weight (9.73 ± 0.27 g) and grain yield, particularly in Faisalabad-08, which produced 74 % higher yield compared to drought controls. Johar-16 demonstrated the strongest physiological adjustment, especially osmolyte accumulation and water retention, while Faisalabad-08 excelled in yield stability, and Aas displayed moderate responses. Hydroponic trials highlighted physiological mechanisms of NP action, whereas pot experiments reflected agronomic performance under soil–water limitations. Overall, ZnO-NPs were more effective for growth recovery, FeO-NPs for yield improvement, Johar-16 for drought physiology, and Faisalabad-08 for yield resilience. These findings highlight the potential of nanoparticle-based interventions to strengthen wheat resilience under water-limited conditions. • ZnO nanoparticles (60 ppm) improved biomass and chlorophyll in drought. • Johar-16 showed higher osmolyte buildup than Faisalabad-2008 and Aas. • Hydroponics gave precise NP effects; pots reflected soil-water balance.

Topics

Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications Plant Micronutrient Interactions and Effects Heavy metals in environment

Identifiers

DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2025.121876

Citations and references

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