Impact of Engineered Metallic Nano-Oxides on the Growth and Development of Medicinal Crop <i>Carthamus tinctorious</i> L

Abstract

Background: Nanotechnology has proved itself as a constructive as well as destructive step in the fields of medicine, agriculture, biosciences, pharmacology and engineering in the past three decades. As technology advances, so do diseases and other diverse inflammatory ailments in the modern world. Our daily health comes from the agricultural fields and surroundings. The increased metal toxicity and soil infertility are major causes of concern. Aim: This study aimed to analyse the growth requirements and impact of engineered metallic nano-oxide on the growth of a medicinal oil crop safflower (NARI -96) in a different but favourable geographical area (Rajasthan, India), unusual from its native geographical conditions. The major motive behind this study is to analyse the impact of metallic stress on yield and increase the crop production rate in Rajasthan for medicinal and economic benefit. Methods: The effect of discrete nano-oxides like silver, zinc, titanium and copper oxide with concentrations ranging from 00ppm to 80ppm have been evaluated on Carthamus tinctorius L. The study was conducted in a controlled environment in a Plant Tissue Culture (PTC) lab as well as in greenhouse conditions. Results: The foremost results in the PTC method have been found with the treatment of copper and zinc oxide. The silver oxide showed a toxic effect and retard the growth. The plant growth under normal environmental conditions showed different results due to the alkaline nature of the soil. The efficiency of titanium oxide and copper oxide has been showing better morphophysiological results in comparison to the control and other nano-oxides. Conclusion: The study reveals that metallic nano-oxides greatly influence the growth and development of safflower under controlled as well as in greenhouse conditions but the impact of copper oxide remains constant in both conditions.