Scholarly record
UNEXPECTED WHEAT-RESPONSE TO THE APPLICATION OF SE AND P NANOFORMULATIONS AND CONVENTIONAL COUNTERPARTS IN SELECTED QUALITY PARAMETERS AND PHYSIOLOGY
Abstract
In the current nano-tech-era and smart agricultural solutions, the nanoformulations (NFs) application can elicit unpredictable responses, potentially impacting environmental components, human health, and crop performance. Accordingly, this study aimed to quantify the effects of selected nanoformulations (NF) and their conventional agrochemical counterparts on the grain-quality attributes, their technological properties, and physiological responses of crop-wheat. Specifically, selenium-species in nanoformulation (Se-NF) were compared with conventional agrochemical (SeVI), and phosphorus nanoformulation (HAP-NF) was compared with its ionic form (Pi). Baking quality was assessed according to ISO and AACC standards. Mineral nutrients of grain were measured by F-AAS, starch spectrometrically, fiber chemically, and nitrogen content (NC) via the Kjeldahl method. For the assessment of physiological indices, including Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI), the principle of optical reflectance spectroscopy was applied. The results of the field experiments unexpectedly indicated that the NF-free control, at a statistically significant (or indicative) level, exhibited the highest quality values in the grain - gluten index, falling number, and Zeleny test as well as higher mineral nutrient content (Fe, Cu, and Ca) and a positive effect on the physiological NDVI index. Oppositely, the nanoformulations (NFs) application and their conventional counterparts showed several negative trends. Exceptions included a positive stimulatory effect of HAP-NF on grain nitrogen content and manganese, an increase in starch and ash content with the Pi variant, and an improvement in the PRI physiological index with (SeVI). The nanoformulations (NFs) and conventional treatments are not always beneficial for crop and may have implications for environmental and human health, which will be investigated in the future.
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References23
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