Nano Fertilizer on Sustainable Agriculture- A Review

With an increment of population day by day the agriculture sector is facing a big issue with the production and the economics of production as well. In this scenario adoption of more efficient tools which could mitigate the drawbacks and led the agriculture in a sustainable way is the need of the hour. The application of nanotechnology in agriculture and forestry will help the environment to retain its biodiversity [1]. Nano fertilizers are synthesized or modified form of traditional fertilizers, fertilizers bulk materials or extracted from different vegetative or reproductive parts of the plant by different chemical, physical, mechanical or biological methods with the help of nanotechnology used to improve soil fertility, productivity and quality of agricultural produces [2]. In this particular scenario adoption of labour saving and well advanced technologies is badly needed. This could be mitigated by a eco-friendly technology of Nano-science [3]. Nano fertilizers can control nutrient release and give the proper amount of nutrients to crops in the right proportions, boosting yield while maintaining environmental safety [4]. A report by Dwairi [5] proposed that urea-impregnated zeolite may be utilised as a slow-release fertiliser, releasing nitrogen slowly and steadily from Nano zeolite. Zinc is one of the commonly deficient micronutrient in soil [6]. Chlorophyll formation, fertilisation, pollen function, and auxin synthesis all need zinc-containing nanomaterials. Zn is one of the elements that defend plants from drought conditions. [7]. A research by Raliya and Tarafdar in 2013 [8] showed that zinc oxide, Nano Particles were shown to improve chlorophyll content, protein synthesis, rhizospheric microbial activity, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and phytase activity in a cluster bean rhizosphere. Copper has characteristics of first transported to shoot and then re translocated into root [9]. An experiment on moong bean (Vigna radiata) and wheat revealed that nano copper could penetrate cell membrane and conglomerate thereafter. Moong bean was found to be more sensitive regarding the toxicity of nano copper than wheat [10], (Rico et al. 2011)

An attempt to the nondestructive investigation of photo-induced potato postharvest quality degradation – Preliminary results

Among improper harvest and/or postharvest storage conditions, the effect of direct sunlight plays an important role in quality degradation of potato resulting in the development of green surface color based on chlorophyll formation associated with the formation of poisonous chemicals – glycoalcaloids – known as α-chaconine and α-solanine. Yellow skinned and fleshed potatoes with or without visible initial marks of green surface color were stored at normal room temperature under direct natural (sun)light conditions for almost two months. The aim of this study was the preliminary investigation of the sunlight induced formation of chlorophyll related compounds in potato indirectly by the detection of chlorophyll development. This attempt was based on nondestructive determination of chlorophyll related spectral and fluorescence indices for both sunlight exposed and unexposed potato sides. For both potato groups the chlorophyll content related DA-index® and chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics (F0, Fm, Fv and Fv/Fm) increased during the storage period representing chlorophyll formation. In the case of Fm, Fv and Fv/Fm values, the yellow samples reached the values of the initial spotted green samples by the 7th–9th days. From this time, the chlorophyll fluorescence values changed only minimally. After storage day 34, in the case of both at day 0 yellow and green spotted potatoes, the sunny side's F0 value was lower than that of shaded side. Close relationship was found between the results of Walz monitoring-PAM (Pulse Amplitude-Modulated) chlorophyll fluorometer and the PSI (Photon Systems Instruments) chlorophyll fluorescence imaging device (e.g. Fv R2 = 0.7226). According to our preliminary results, the Vis/NIR DA-meter®, the monitoring-PAM and the chlorophyll fluorescence imaging fluorometers were found to be suitable nondestructive devices for further investigations concerning the postharvest chlorophyll formation based greening phenomena, which is associated with solanine development in potato.

Effect of sulphur on growth, yield and economics of sesame (Sesamum indicum)

The productivity of sesame is mainly dependant on proper agronomic management practices including nutrient management. In oilseeds, sulphur plays a prominent role in the synthesis of essential oils, chlorophyll formation and gives pungency in oil. It is also increasing drought and cold resistance of oilseed crops. Hence, field studies were conducted for two consecutive years to study the effect of various sources of sulphur (Gypsum and Sulphur Bentonite) and their different levels (15, 30 and 45 kg S ha-1) on growth, yield and economics of sesame. Studies revealed that, irrespective of sources of sulphur seed yield increased progressively with increase in sulphur dose from 15 to 45 kg ha-1 and the increase was significant at 45 kg ha-1 over 15 kg ha-1and control. Application of sulphur at 45 kg/ha through gypsum produced significantly higher plant height (97.1 cm), branches/plant (4.98), capsules/ plant (95.9) and seed yield (586.5 kg/ha) than at 15 kg S/ha through gypsum, Sulphur bentonite and recommended NPK and remaining at par with application of Sulphur at 30 kg/ha. Sulphur application at 45 and 30 kg ha-1 through gypsum recorded significantly higher net returns (Rs. 33365 and 31963 ha-1 respectively) and B: C ratio (2.47 and 2.38 respectively) than Sulphur Bentonite and recommended NPK during both the years.

Zinc and boron nutrition in pulses: A review

Zn plays major role in many physiological processes viz., chlorophyll formation, pollen formation, fertilization, protein synthesis, cell elongation, nodule formation etc. Hence, Zn nutrition favourably influences the growth, yield, physiological parameters and nodule formation in pulses. Similar to that of Zn, B also plays a major role in the functioning of reproductive tissues, structural integrity of plasma membrane, sugar transport, nodule development etc. Boron nutrition reduces the flower drop, increases the pod setting in pulses and also increased nodulation in pulses. The review elaborates the effect of Zn and B nutrition on the physiological, growth and yield parameters and yield of pulses and their effect on nodule formation and uptake of nutrients in pulses.

Ecophysiological Studies of Lead Stress on Vigna mungo L. Seedlings

In the present study of eco physiological effects of lead nitrate was observed by taking a local cultivated cereal crop Vigna mungo (L). The germination data showed that there is a negative impact of concentration of lead nitrate on the germination of seeds. There is decrease in seed germination at higher concentration in comparison to control. Root and shoot growth of seedling was effected when exposed to high concentration of lead nitrate. Roots were more affected and much reduced than shoots. Morphologically they look different from normal roots by their size and shapes. Effect of different concentration of lead nitrate was visible in different pigment concentration of leaves. Lead toxicity inhibits chlorophyll formation which visually showed in degeneration of green pigments in shoots exposed to different concentration of lead nitrate. With the increase in concentration of the toxicant, the exposed seedlings showed a decline in chl-a, chl-b, total chl, carotenoid and pheophytin content in shoots. This was a clear indication that the fall in the growth rate, pigment content had direct impact on photosynthesis. Conclusively, our results show that lead at higher concentration decreases seed germination, chl-a, chl-b, total chl, carotenoid and pheophytin contents in the mung seedlings.Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 6(3): 227-231