Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Agronomy Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Regulation of Nanomaterials in Crop Growth and Physiology Under Abiotic Stress

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 April 2026 | Viewed by 11050

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. James Barker

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, London KT1 2EE, UK
Interests: nanomaterials; heavy metals; environment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Abolghassem Emamverdian

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Bamboo Research Institute, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
Interests: heavy metals stress; nanoparticle; plant stress tolerance; salinity; drought stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The application of nanomaterials in agriculture has emerged as a revolutionary approach to enhance crop growth and resilience, particularly under abiotic stress conditions such as heavy metals, drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. Integrating nanotechnology in crop science aims to improve plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. Historically, the development and utilization of nanomaterials have progressed from basic laboratory research to field applications, demonstrating significant potential in mitigating the adverse effects of environmental stresses on crops.

This Special Issue's primary aim is to explore nanomaterials' regulatory mechanisms in crop growth and physiology under various abiotic stress conditions. We seek to provide a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their latest findings and innovative approaches in this rapidly evolving field. This Special Issue will cover the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, their interaction with plant systems, and the underlying molecular and physiological mechanisms that confer stress tolerance.

We are particularly interested in cutting-edge research that delves into nanomaterials' role in enhancing crop resilience, improving yield, and ensuring food security under changing climate conditions. Contributions that offer new insights into the safety, efficacy, and environmental impact of nanomaterials in agriculture are highly encouraged.

We solicit original research articles, reviews, and case studies that address topics such as the development of novel nanomaterials, their application in crop management under stress conditions, and the elucidation of their regulatory pathways in plants. This Special Issue aims to gather high-quality papers that push the boundaries of current knowledge and foster advancements in the sustainable use of nanotechnology in agriculture.

Prof. Dr. James Barker
Dr. Abolghassem Emamverdian
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agronomy is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

nanoparticles
biogenic nanoparticles
heavy metal stress
salinity: cold stress
drought stress
temperature
reactive oxygen species

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

28 pages, 16974 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Immunomodulatory Efficacy of Chemogenic and Biogenic Manganese Nanoparticles for Inducing Arsenic Stress Resilience in Rapeseed

by Muhammad Arslan Yousaf, Muhammad Noman, Ayesha Khalil Maan, Basharat Ali, Muhammad Kamran, Muhammad Shahbaz Naeem, Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, Yiwa Hu, Skhawat Ali and Weijun Zhou

Agronomy 2025, 15(12), 2773; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15122773 - 30 Nov 2025

Viewed by 145

Abstract

Arsenic (As) contamination poses a critical threat to agricultural productivity, affecting rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), an agronomically important crop. A comparative assessment was performed to evaluate the efficacy of chemogenic and biogenic manganese nanoparticles (C-MnNPs and B-MnNPs) for mitigating As toxicity. B-MnNPs were biosynthesized using cell-free filtrate of Bacillus pumilus MAY4, while C-MnNPs were obtained from Cwnano Co., Ltd. (Shanghai, China). Greenhouse assays demonstrated that both C-MnNPs and B-MnNPs alleviated detrimental effects of As; however, B-MnNPs exhibited superior performance compared to their chemical counterparts. Compared to As-stressed plants, B-MnNPs enhanced leaf and root biomass (26.4% and 56.15%, respectively), net photosynthetic rate (64.8%), and stomatal conductance (50%). B-MnNPs more effectively reduced oxidative stress markers by activating antioxidant defense systems in both leaf and root tissues. Furthermore, B-MnNPs reduced in planta As accumulation while significantly improving uptake of essential nutrients, including potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, and manganese, etc., in rapeseed plants. Expression studies revealed that B-MnNPs upregulated antioxidant defense and redox homeostasis related stress-responsive genes under induced As stress. Biochemical assays further confirmed the enrichment of stress-responsive phytohormones, including salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and abscisic acid, in B-MnNP-treated As-stressed rapeseed plants, indicating activation of multi-tier defense response by B-MnNPs to cope with As stress. These findings establish B-MnNPs as a highly effective nano-enabled strategy for managing As toxicity in the rapeseed cultivation system. This research provides critical insights into the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying MnNP-mediated stress tolerance and offers a promising green nanotechnology approach for heavy metal-resilient crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation of Nanomaterials in Crop Growth and Physiology Under Abiotic Stress)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3253 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of SiO₂ Nanoparticles on the Yield and Quality of Sophora tonkinensis Under Drought Stress

by Ying Liang, Shuangshuang Qin, Guili Wei, Ximei Liang and Fan Wei

Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2171; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092171 - 11 Sep 2025

Viewed by 618

Abstract

This study investigates the novel application of silicon nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs) to enhance drought tolerance and medicinal quality in the threatened medicinal plant Sophora tonkinensis, providing technical support for its conservation and cultivation. Six treatments were applied: control (CK), CK + 100 mg/L SiO₂ NPs, CK + 200 mg/L SiO₂ NPs, drought stress (SD), SD + 100 mg/L SiO₂ NPs, SD + 200 mg/L SiO₂ NPs. After 21 days of foliar application, we assessed biomass, physio–biochemical parameters (including soluble protein, soluble sugar, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide anion (O₂⁻), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)), as well as concentrations of matrine, oxymatrine, genistin, genistein, total alkaloids, and total flavonoids. Under drought stress, the application of 100 mg/L SiO₂ NPs was the most effective treatment for enhancing biomass accumulation and eliciting a coordinated physio–biochemical response. This was demonstrated by a significant increase in leaf soluble protein content and root SOD activity, along with a decrease in oxidative stress markers (H₂O₂ and O₂⁻). Furthermore, SiO₂ NPs application under both normal and drought conditions selectively enhanced the accumulation of bioactive compounds in the roots, with the optimal concentration being compound-specific. Notably, under drought conditions, the application of 200 mg/L SiO₂ NPs proved optimal for enhancing the biosynthesis of several key medicinal compounds in the roots. Specifically, this treatment significantly maximized the content of matrine (214.15 μg/g), genistin (4.06 μg/g), genistein (48.56 μg/g), total alkaloids (9.96 mg/g), and total flavonoids (11.44 mg/g) compared to the drought-stressed control (SD). These results demonstrate that SiO₂ NPs significantly improve yield and key medicinal components of S. tonkinensis under drought stress, with a differential efficiency depending on the concentration, plant organ, and target compound. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation of Nanomaterials in Crop Growth and Physiology Under Abiotic Stress)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2111 KB

Open AccessArticle

Can Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Alleviate the Adverse Effects of Salinity Stress in Coffea arabica?

by Jegnes Benjamín Meléndez-Mori, Yoiner K. Lapiz-Culqui, Eyner Huaman-Huaman, Marileydi Zuta-Puscan and Manuel Oliva-Cruz

Agronomy 2025, 15(5), 1239; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15051239 - 20 May 2025

Viewed by 1990

Abstract

Salinity is one of the main limiting factors for agricultural production worldwide. Nanotechnology has emerged as a possible tool to improve plant tolerance to salt stress. However, the application of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in agriculture raises questions about their safety and long-term impact. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of foliar application of ZnO nanoparticles on the physiology and defense systems of coffee plants in the presence/absence of NaCl (150 mM). A foliar spray of ZnO-NPs (0, 50, and 100 mg L⁻¹) was applied to coffee plants individually and in combination with simulated stress conditions. The results showed that the application of ZnO-NPs to plants under salt stress had both positive and negative effects. An increase in proline content ranging from 33% to 77% was detected in stressed plants treated with ZnO-NPs, in contrast to stressed plants that did not receive the application. CAT activity increased by 69.4% to 152.8% with the application of ZnO-NPs compared to plants under salt stress that did not receive the treatment. Additionally, the application of ZnO-NPs decreased H₂O₂ levels by up to 18.7% with respect to the control group. On the other hand, 45% higher Na⁺ accumulation was observed in NaCl-stressed seedlings treated with ZnO-NPs (50 mg L⁻¹). MDA levels in stressed plants treated with ZnO-NPs increased by 3% to 50%. Furthermore, the combined effect of ZnO-NP (100 mg L⁻¹) and salt resulted in a significant reduction in carotenoids, limiting their photoprotective function. The results obtained indicate the complex interaction between the application of ZnO-NPs and various physiological processes in coffee plants, including photosynthesis, antioxidant enzyme activity, and the generation of reactive oxygen species. This phenomenon requires detailed analysis to fully understand the response of coffee plants to ZnO-NPs’ application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation of Nanomaterials in Crop Growth and Physiology Under Abiotic Stress)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 11850 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Cd Tolerance in Bamboo: Synergistic Effects of Nano-Hydroxyapatite and Fe₃O₄ Nanoparticles on Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging, Cd Detoxification, and Water Balance

by Abolghassem Emamverdian, Ahlam Khalofah, Necla Pehlivan and Yang Li

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020386 - 31 Jan 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1498

Abstract

Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAP) and Fe₃O₄ NPs (Fe₃O₄ NPs) offer effective and economical approaches for reducing Cd toxicity, which presents considerable risks to both environmental and human health. We examined the mechanisms through which these NPs mitigate Cd toxicity in bamboo, Pleioblastus pygmaeus. The plants were exposed to Cd (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg L⁻¹) and received foliar sprays of 100 mg L⁻¹ n-HAP, 100 mg L⁻¹ Fe₃O₄ NPs, and a combination of both treatments. The findings indicated that Cd exposure led to oxidized molecules in bamboo, as evidenced by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipoperoxidation. Foliar treatments utilizing n-HAP and Fe₃O₄ NPs markedly diminished these effects. H₂O₂, O₂•−, malondialdehyde (MDA), and electrolyte leakage (EL) levels decreased by 56%, 71%, 65%, and 72%, respectively, compared to the controls. The application of n-HAP and Fe₃O₄ NPs significantly enhanced the enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), with increases observed between 28% and 56%. Furthermore, there was an enhancement in proline accumulation, total phenolic content (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), nitric oxide levels, relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll concentration, and photosynthetic parameters. The combination of n-HAP and Fe₃O₄ NPs was most effective in improving bamboo tolerance to Cd, especially at moderate Cd concentrations of 50 and 80 mg L⁻¹. The results indicate that n-HAP and Fe₃O₄ NPs, particularly in combination, may mitigate Cd toxicity by decreasing Cd uptake, improving antioxidant capacity, and preserving plant water balance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation of Nanomaterials in Crop Growth and Physiology Under Abiotic Stress)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 7532 KB

Open AccessArticle

Resulting Key Physiological Changes in Triticum aestivum L. Plants Under Drought Conditions After Priming the Seeds with Conventional Fertilizer and Greenly Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from Corn Wastes

by Roquia Rizk, Mostafa Ahmed, Donia Abdul-Hamid, Mostafa Zedan, Zoltán Tóth and Kincső Decsi

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010211 - 16 Jan 2025

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1737

Abstract

This research study investigated the production and properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles derived from corn husks and their priming effects on wheat plant proliferation and antioxidant mechanisms compared to the nutri-priming technique under regular irrigation and drought-stressed conditions. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), and X-ray diffraction confirmed the nanoparticles’ hexagonal morphology and typical dimensions of 51 nm. The size and stability of these nanoparticles were assessed through the size distribution and zeta potential analysis, indicating reasonable stability. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) detected the newly formed functional groups. This study emphasized the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phenolic compounds in plant responses to nanoparticle treatment, particularly in detoxifying harmful radicals. The research also examined the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GR), in alleviating stress caused by oxidation while subjected to various treatments, including micronutrient seed priming with DR GREEN fertilizer. Some biochemical compounds, such as total phenolics (TPCs), total flavonoids (TFCs), and total hydrolysable sugars, were estimated as well to show the effect of the different treatments on the wheat plants. The findings suggested that ZnO nanoparticles can enhance antioxidant enzyme activity under certain conditions while posing phytotoxic risks, underscoring the complexity of plant–nanoparticle interactions and the potential for improving crop resilience through targeted micronutrient applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation of Nanomaterials in Crop Growth and Physiology Under Abiotic Stress)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 40086 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Nanopriming-Induced Enhancement of Cucumber Seedling Development: Exploring Biochemical and Physiological Effects of Silver Nanoparticles

by Beatriz Pintos, Hugo de Diego and Arancha Gomez-Garay

Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1866; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081866 - 22 Aug 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2102

Abstract

Nanopriming, a technique that involves treating seeds with nanoparticles, is gaining attention for enhancing seed germination and seedling growth. This study explored the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), synthesized using Ascorbic acid, Caffeic acid, and Gallic acid, on cucumber seedling development. The nanoparticles, characterized by spherical morphology and distinct optical properties, showed varying effects based on the type and concentration of the reducing agents used. AgNP treatments generally led to higher germination rates and improved shoot and root growth compared to controls. Biochemical analyses revealed that these treatments influenced plant physiology, affecting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, oxidative stress markers, and the content of amino acids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and soluble sugars. Specifically, certain AgNP treatments reduced oxidative stress, while others increased oxidative damage. Additionally, variations in free amino acids and phenolic and flavonoid contents were noted, suggesting complex interactions between nanoparticles and plant biochemical pathways. These findings highlight the potential of nanopriming in agriculture and underscore the need for further research to optimize nanoparticle formulations for different plant species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation of Nanomaterials in Crop Growth and Physiology Under Abiotic Stress)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 1980 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Cuprous Oxide Nanoparticles on Photosynthetic Efficiency, Antioxidant Responses and Grain Quality throughout the Soybean Life Cycle

by Nan Wang, Xiangrong Tian, Peipei Song, Wei Guo, Kaiyue Zhang, Juan Li and Zhanqiang Ma

Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1821; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081821 - 17 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2136

Abstract

The widespread application of nanoparticles (NPs) in agriculture has not only enhanced the efficiency of agrochemical use but also introduced environmental pollution, potentially impacting human health through absorption and accumulation in edible plants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects and ecological risks of Cu₂O nanoparticles (nCu₂O) in the life cycle of soybean, and to provide a theoretical basis for the safe application of NPs in agriculture. Soybeans were grown in natural soil modified with nCu₂O, bulk cuprous oxide (bCu₂O) and copper sulfate (CuSO₄) at concentrations of 0, 50, 200, and 800 mg/kg. Samples and grains from treated soybeans were collected at the flowering, podding, and seed-filling stages for analysis. The results indicated that treatments with nCu₂O, bCu₂O, and Cu²⁺ reduced the chlorophyll content in soybean leaves, thereby affecting photosynthesis. Significant reductions were observed in the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), the transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (Gs), the quantum yield of photosystem II (Y(II)), photochemical quenching (qP), and the electron transport rate (ETR) at high concentrations. However, the toxicity of nCu₂O to photosynthesis recovers as the plant grows. Almost all treatments increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT) and reduced oxidative stress. In the nCu₂O and bCu₂O treatments, grain protein content was significantly reduced, while fat and water content increased. Phosphorus (P) content decreased, whereas sulfur (S), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) contents increased. The accumulation of copper in plants followed the order nCu₂O > bCu₂O > Cu²⁺, with the bCu₂O treatment being slightly more toxic than the nCu₂O treatment, and both being more toxic than the Cu²⁺ treatment. The above data indicated that nCu₂O had a dose-dependent effect, which significantly inhibited soybean growth and changed grain quality at high concentrations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation of Nanomaterials in Crop Growth and Physiology Under Abiotic Stress)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Regulation of Nanomaterials in Crop Growth and Physiology Under Abiotic Stress

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI