Biosynthesized magnetite nanoparticles from Polyalthia longifolia leaves improve photosynthetic performance and yield of Trigonella foenum-graecum under drought stress
Shweta Bisht, Vinay Sharma, Nilima Kumari
Abstract
Nanoparticle (NPs) biosynthesis is gaining popularity due to its low cost and environmental benefits. The objective of current study was to biosynthesize magnetite (Fe3O4) NPs using leaves of Polyalthia longifolia. Biomaterials present in the leaves of Polyalthia longifolia synthesized Fe3O4 NPs by reducing the iron precursor salt (FeSO4•7H2O) and also acted as capping and stabilising agents. The characterization confirmed synthesis of cubical shaped Fe3O4 NPs with size ranging from 19 to 21 nm. Two varieties of Trigonella foenum-graecum (Afg 1 and Afg 3) were used to study plant growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments and photosynthetic performance under control and drought stress condition with various concentrations of Fe3O4 NPs (20, 50, 100 and 200 mg/L). The test parameters varied as the dose of exogenous foliar concentration of Fe3O4 NPs increased. Afg 1 (drought tolerant) and Afg 3 (drought sensitive) both showed most effective response at 50 mg/L NPs concentration in alleviating drought stress.