Plant-based nano-fertilizer prepared from Paulownia Tomentosa: fabrication, characterization, and application on Ocimum basilicum

Abstract Background The use of hazardous and toxic chemical material has become limited by the green synthesis nano-particles (NPs) from plants other living organisms. In current study, a new nano-fertilizer was synthesized Paulownia tomentosa leaves then its effectiveness in alleviation drought stress Ocimum basilicum investigated. Five concentrations (0, 50, 70, 90 110 ppm) at three irrigation regimes including 100% field capacity (IRF100), 75% (IRF75), 50% (IRF50) were evaluated. Nano-fertilizers prepared using hydrothermal method. Results Based on TEM analyses nanoparticles sizes 5–8 nm. results FTIR appearance indicated main distinctive peaks Paulownia-based (NFPs) spectrum. addition, nitrogen XPS spectra indicate that carbon dots NFPs are nitrogen-doped. Moreover, there functional groups, such as COOH or OH groups surface (NFPs). illustrated increased proline (73%), alcohol-soluble carbohydrates (78%), malondialdehyde (41%) comparison with normal irrigation; contrast, soluble proteins Chlorophyll (46%), b (39%), total (42%), carotenoid (77%) reduced same condition. O. biological yield moderate (12.40%) severe (24.42%) full conditions (IRF100). caused an increase photosynthetic pigments. Application NFP-90 production malondialdehyde, respectively, 51.8% 30.8% compared to non-application under conditions, which indicates alleviated adverse effect stress. highest basil obtained ppm concentration NFPs. Conclusion Overall, showed NPs biosynthesized could be economically environmentally friendly method nano-fertilizer. Graphical