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Physiological and biochemical effects of biochar nanoparticles on spinach exposed to salinity and drought stresses

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Abstract

The utilization of nanobiochar in agricultural practices has garnered substantial interest owing to its promising potential. Its nano-size particles possess an enhanced ability to infiltrate plant cells, potentially instigating biochemical and physiological responses that augment stress tolerance. In our study, we aimed to assess the impact and extent of exogenously applied nanobiochar on the growth dynamics and antioxidative responses in Spinacia oleracea L. (spinach) plants subjected to salt stress (50 mM NaCl) and drought stress (maintained at 60% field capacity) compared with respective controls (0 mM NaCl and 100% field capacity). Following a 15-day exposure to stress conditions, nanobiochar solution (at concentrations of 0, 1, 3, and 5% w/v) was sprayed on spinach plants at weekly intervals (at 14, 21, and 28 days after sowing). The foliar application of nanobiochar markedly improved biomass, net assimilation rate, leaf area, and various other growth parameters under drought and salinity stress conditions. Notably, the application of 3% nanobiochar caused the most significant enhancement in growth traits, photosynthetic pigments, and nutrient content, indicating its efficiency in directly supplying nutrients to the foliage. Furthermore, under drought stress conditions, the application of 3% nanobiochar elicited a notable 62% increase in catalase activity, a two-fold rise in peroxidase activity, and a 128% increase in superoxide dismutase activity compared to the control (without nanobiochar). Additionally, nanobiochar application enhanced membrane stability, evidenced by reduced lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage. The foliar application of 3% nanobiochar was found as a promising strategy to significantly enhance spinach growth parameters, nutrient assimilation, and antioxidative defense mechanisms, particularly under conditions of drought and salinity stress.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

    Aimun Rasheed,  Zaib-un-Nisa & Muhammad Ashraf

  2. Department of Botany, GC Women University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan

    Sumera Anwar

  3. Department of Botany, GC University Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

    Fahad Shafiq

  4. College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, People’s Republic of China

    Shahbaz Khan

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  4. Zaib-un-Nisa
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  5. Shahbaz Khan
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  6. Muhammad Ashraf
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study’s conception and design. The research was supervised by Sumera Anwar and Fahad Shafiq. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by Aimun Rasheed. Zaib-un-Nisa assisted in biochemical analysis. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Sumera Anwar critically revised and updated by Muhammad Ashraf. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Sumera Anwar.

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Rasheed, A., Anwar, S., Shafiq, F. et al. Physiological and biochemical effects of biochar nanoparticles on spinach exposed to salinity and drought stresses. Environ Sci Pollut Res 31, 14103–14122 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-31953-7

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