Photosynthesis Machinery in Lathyrus oleraceus Lam. Under Combined Treatment of SiO2 and ZnO Nanoparticles
摘要
Si-based fertilizers have potential to increase the agricultural productivity. Nanometric forms of this element are of particular importance, as they have a number of advantages over conventional formulations. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), either alone or in the mixture with ZnO NPs and applied to green pea (Lathyrus oleraceus Lam.) grown under hydroponic conditions. The following experimental methods were applied: (i) measurements of gas exchange dynamics and biochemical parameters of photosynthesis, (ii) determination of growth parameters, and (iii) investigations of nutrients accumulation in pea shoots using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The SiO2 NPs at 100 mg L−1 stimulated the photosynthesis rate, increased chlorophyll content and the overall photosynthesis efficiency. Opposite effects were observed under ZnO NPs supplementation, where stomatal and biochemical limitations of photosynthesis were detected. Either SiO2 NPs or ZnO NPs reduced the accumulation of iron and manganese in pea shoots while mixed SiO2 and ZnO NPs treatment additionally hampered the copper level. The beneficial role of SiO2 NPs in alleviating zinc toxicity was confirmed. Moreover, the reduction of Zn content in shoots was detected in combined treatment. The sole SiO2 NPs had a fertilizing effect on Lathyrus oleraceus Lam. and increased yield of photosynthetic machinery of pea.