Fe2O3 nanoparticles can replace Fe-EDTA fertilizer and boost the productivity and quality of Raphanus sativus in a soilless system

• Published in: Scientia horticulturae 2023-11, Vol.321, p.112261, Article 112261
• Main Authors: Garza-Alonso, Carlos Alberto, Cadenas-Pliego, Gregorio, Juárez-Maldonado, Antonio, González-Fuentes, José Antonio, Tortella, Gonzalo, Benavides-Mendoza, Adalberto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bioactive compounds; Biostimulation; Minerals; Nanofertilizers; Plant nutrition; Radish
• ISSN: 0304-4238
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2023.112261

•A comparison of conventional (Fe-EDTA) and nanofertilizer (Fe2O3 NPs) was made.•The dimensions and biomass of radishes increase up to 30% when applying Fe2O3 NPs.•Antioxidant compounds, Fe, and k levels increase in plants subjected to Fe2O3 NPs.•Fe2O3 NPs showed a more significant fertilizer use efficiency against Fe-EDTA.•Foliar application of Fe2O3 NPs was a better response than drench application. The objective of this research was to compare the applications through drench (on the surface of the substrate) and foliar application of Fe2O3 nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs) against a conventional Fe fertilizer (Fe-EDTA) in Raphanus sativus L. plants established in a soilless system under a greenhouse. The seeds of the cv. Champion were sown in 2 L pots with a mixture of peat moss:perlite in a 1:1 ratio. A 50% concentrated Steiner solution supplied plant nutrition. Fourteen days after sowing, the applications of the treatments began. Treatments consisted of foliar and drench applications of Fe-EDTA and Fe2O3 NPs. The standard amount of Fe applied in a radish on a soilless system (13 mg plant −1) was taken as a reference. The control treatment was the application of Fe-EDTA by drenching, while the same product was also applied via foliar application. Fe2O3 NPs were applied at 100, 75, and 50% for control through foliar and drench application. The treatments were administered weekly, giving a total of four applications. The results showed that the dimensions and biomass of the R. sativus root increased in ranges of 20–30% when applying Fe2O3 NPs, as well as the concentration of chlorophylls in the leaves by 18–38%. Similarly, increases between 24 and 147% were found in the levels of vitamin C, GSH, and antioxidant capacity in leaves and roots, in addition to a greater activity of antioxidant enzymes. The K concentration rose between 35 and 48% in leaves and roots, while Fe levels increased up to 40% in leaves. On the other hand, Fe2O3 NPs showed a fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) up to 42% higher than that of Fe-EDTA. In conclusion, the results indicate that the complete replacement of Fe-EDTA with Fe2O3 NPs is possible, improving the yield and quality of R. sativus and obtaining a better FUE. [Display omitted]