Novel Zn Nano Complexes Anchored on Glycine and Phenylalanine: Impacts on the Growth and Phytochemical Responses of Calendula Officinalis L
摘要
One of the most effective micronutrients for quality and yield quantity of medicinal herbs is zinc (Zn). So, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of Zn foliar application in the conventional form of artificial chelate (Zn-EDTA) and green-synthesized nano complexed with glycine (Zn-Gly NC), phenylalanine (Zn-Phe NC) on the phytochemical and physiological responses of Calendula officinalis. A randomized full design with three replications was used. The foliar treatments were applied at three concentrations (0, 20, and 40 mg L-1) during the 4–6 leaf stage and just before the onset of flowering. Free amino acids (without Zn) were applied to evaluate their individual effects. The control was also considered without foliar application of Zn and amino acids. In general, almost all analyzed traits were improved by foliar application of Zn. The obtained data showed that both nano complex treatments compared to artificial chelate (Zn-EDTA) and free amino acids treatments, are more efficient in the growth and biochemical characteristics of C. officinalis. Also (Zn-Gly NC) treatment at a concentration of 40 mg L-1 showed the highest effect on the investigated traits compared to other treatments. But free amino acid treatments, except for Gly treatment at a concentration of 40 mg L-1, did not showed any significant difference, compared to the control treatment. Since the treatment of the synthesized nano complexed with glycine successfully enhanced the phytochemical properties of the medicinal plant calendula, it can be recommended as an efficient and innovative organic nano-fertilizer.