Gas Exchange Parameters, Fruit Yield, Quality, and Nutrient Status in Tomato Are Stimulated by ZnO Nanoparticles of Modified Surface and Morphology and Their Application Form

Nanoparticles (NPs) of ZnO are reported to enhance plant growth; however, during NPs syntheses, they tend agglomerate, affecting their dispersion. Agglomeration can be counteracted if surface is modified and/or have the appropriate morphology. The objective present study was assess effects morphology, modification, and way application NPs-ZnO on tomato. Two morphologies (spherical or hexagonal) whose with maltodextrine (MDX) not, applied tomato plants via foliar sprays drench at 1500 ppm were assessed. Hexagonal spherical increased growth, fruit yield, quality nutrient status, gas exchange parameters. Fruit P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Si higher when hexagonal MDX by drench; Zn no applied. morphology NPs, alone combined applications, did not affect yield quality. growth although produced similar results. nanoparticles biomass MDX; even though affected, applications MDX-modified resulted favorable for macronutrient Mn status in fruits. had a biostimulant effect as it fruits, photosynthesis, transpiration, nutrients