Biosynthesis and characterization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and its effects along with calcium phosphate on physicochemical attributes of wheat under drought stress

Abstract

Drought stress is reducing the production of crops globally. This research was designed to evaluate the role of titanium dioxide (TiO₂ NPs) nanoparticles and calcium phosphate on wheat facing drought stress. TiO₂ NPs were prepared by green synthesis and their characterization (by UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX)) was also done. The results showed that TiO₂ NPs worked efficiently and improved plant growth under drought. However, the best results were obtained from combined applications of 40 ppm TiO₂ NPs and 40 ppm calcium phosphate on plants. They increased root length (33%), shoot length (53%), fresh weight (48%), and dry weight (44%) of wheat as compared to control. The physiological parameters including chlorophyll content, relative water content, membrane stability index, and osmolyte content (proline and sugar) were also improved. The increase in superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and, catalase activity by the combined application of TiO₂ NPs and calcium phosphate was 83% and 78%, 74% and 52%, 81%, and 67% in Pakistan-13 and Zincol-16 respectively, as compared to untreated drought exposed plants. They also enhanced the nutrients uptake (including potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen) that ultimately improved plant biomass. They also maintained the level of growth hormones in plants. These hormones regulate cellular processes and are responsible for germination, development, and plant reaction in drought stress. The increase in the yield was also significant, hence it is recommended that the 40 ppm concentration of TiO₂ NPs along with calcium phosphate improves the productivity of wheat under drought stress.

Keywords: Drought stress; Nanotechnology; Titanium dioxide nanoparticles; Wheat.