Exogenously applied ZnO nanoparticles induced salt tolerance in potentially high yielding modern wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars

Salinity stress is one of the potential threats that adversely affect productivity many cereal crops worldwide. Spraying plants with nano-Zn particles may lessen effectively such negative impacts on plants; yet its mode action still not well explored. This study was performed to evaluate effects spraying varying concentrations (0, 20, 50 and 80 mg L−1) two wheat cultivars irrigated saline water (EC = 6.3 dS m−1) versus a non-saline one. The key results revealed root shoot weights decreased significantly under salinity conditions, while improved considerably nano-Zn-particles foliar application up L−1; thereafter significant reductions occurred. Also, lengths as plant leaf area index owing this application. Clearly, roots shoots sprayed conditions exhibited higher values than corresponding ones grown without applications. Unexpectedly, spray led in pigments also enzymatic non-enzymatic antioxidants plants. Yet, enhanced formation total soluble sugars proline, raised Ca contents shoots, some extent K contents. In conclusion, increased growth salty via parallel processes, i.e., stimulating osmolytes nutrient uptake which may, turn, increase metabolism.