Improving Drought Tolerance in Maize with Zinc Selenide Quantum Dots
Author Information
Author(s): Kanna Venkatesan Kishanth, Djanaguiraman Maduraimuthu, Senthil Alagarswamy, Moorthy Ponnuraj Sathya, Iyanar Krishnamoorthy, Veerappan Anbazhagan
Primary Institution: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India
Hypothesis
The exogenous application of nanomaterials (ZnSe QDs) possessing antioxidant properties is an effective and convenient approach to mitigate drought-induced oxidative stress in maize.
Conclusion
Foliar application of ZnSe at 20 mg L−1 can decrease drought-induced effects in maize, leading to improved photosynthesis and increased seed yield.
Supporting Evidence
- ZnSe application at 20 mg L−1 significantly increased the photosynthetic rate by 25%.
- ZnSe spray increased seed yield by 26% over water spray.
- ZnSe application reduced hydrogen peroxide content by 23%.
Takeaway
Spraying a special type of tiny particles called zinc selenide quantum dots on maize plants helps them survive better during dry times, making them grow more seeds.
Methodology
The study involved toxicity experiments on earthworms and azolla, and a field experiment with maize under drought conditions, assessing various physiological parameters.
Limitations
The long-term effects of ZnSe QDs on soil and aquatic organisms are not yet understood.
Participant Demographics
Maize plants grown under rainfed conditions.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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