Nano silica reinforces the tolerance of the wheat plant against drought stress

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> Silicon nanoparticles have distinctive physicochemical characteristics and improve the plant growth and yield under unfavorable environmental conditions. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken to study the impact of Nano Silica on drought resistance depending on the Nano-Silica dose and moisture levels. Nano Silica applied at different rates (0.0, 50 and 100 mg/l) and the water regime was 30, 50 and 70% of water holding capacity (WHC). Results indicated that, Si-NPs there was an ability to reduce the drought impact on wheat growth and improve the antioxidant system in plants. Besides, an increment in membrane stability index, chlorophyll, carbohydrates, protein and phenol content of wheat. In addition, spraying or watering of Si-NPs increased wheat tolerance to drought by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes; nitrate reductase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione s-transferase and guaiacol peroxidase, as well as reducing the oxidative pressure in leaves which was demonstrated by the diminished electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde and proline in plant tissue. Data indicated that most of the highest values of the growth parameters and biochemical estimation were recorded for the wheat with application of 100 mg/l nano silica. Overall, this study advanced our understanding of the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying drought stress and mitigating its impact using Si-NPs, which may reduce the environmental risks that negatively affect the growth and productivity of agricultural crops globally.