Enhanced Germination and Growth of Alfalfa with Seed Presoaking and Hydroponic Culture in Fe2O3 Magnetic Nanoparticles

Nanofertilizers can be used as potential contenders to provide macro- and micronutrients plants. Specifically, iron-oxide-based engineered nanoparticles are promising candidates for next-generation iron-deficiency fertilizers. Aiming investigate the effect of Fe2O3 magnetic on plant germination growth, alfalfa seeds were presoaked by a series concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 mg/L) NPs in this study. The rate, root length, chlorophyll content, activity antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT)) detected. Further, hydroponic young seedlings treated with 50 mg/L NPs, Fe-EDTA control. growth index, metal (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn) ferric-chelate reductase results indicated that presoaking promoted seed all treatments. Short-time has not affected iron content while increasing antioxidase (SOD, POD, CAT) activities at concentrations. have most beneficiary impact presoaking. enhanced seedlings’ increased Fe Mn compared Moreover, ferric chelate was significantly lower roots exposure than showed could an appropriate effective treatment concentration pretreatment fertilizer application. growth-promoting is related its nanostructured properties. More in-depth research still needed understand mechanism field environment.