Recuperative potential of silicon, zinc, and copper oxide nanoparticles for salt stress by altering physio-biochemical, morphological and molecular attributes in wheat

Salinity stress significantly impairs the growth and productivity of wheat. Nanoparticles application is an emerging technique improving stress tolerance. This study explores the role of various nanoparticles in mitigating harmful effects of salt stress in wheat. Xiaoyan 22, Jinmai 47, and Xinong 895 genotypes were nano-primed with 100 mg/L of zinc oxide (ZnO), copper oxide (CuO) and silicon dioxide (SiO₂) nanoparticles, and grown in control (hydro-priming) and salt stress (150 mM). CuO nano-priming significantly improved the physiological attributes like photosynthetic activity, leaf water potential, chlorophyll fluorescence, and biochemical attributes, while it decreased oxidized glutathione (GSSG), photosystem's excitation pressure (1-qP), and non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ). ZnO nano-priming improved the post-harvest traits compared to SiO₂ and control. Salt tolerance and injury indexes highlight the effectiveness of ZnO more than CuO and SiO₂ nanoparticles in improving yield traits. CuO and ZnO nano-priming elevated the expression level of potassium and nitrogen transporter, and Na⁺ antiporter genes, results in strengthening physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms. CuO and ZnO nano-priming with optimized range significantly enhance wheat resilience to salinity and paving the potential to enhance growth and productivity, respectively. Current study supports the applicability of nanotechnology and priming techniques for the cultivation of cereals in saline-prone regions.