Journal of Environmental Biology

Effect of zinc nanoparticles on antioxidative system of potato plants

P. Raigond¹*, B. Raigond², B. Kaundal¹, B. Singh¹, A. Joshi¹ and S. Dutt¹

¹Division of Crop Physiology, Biochemistry and Post Harvest Technology, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla-171 001, India

²Division of Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla-171 001, India

*Corresponding Author E-mail: jariapink@gmail.com  

Key words

Enzymatic antioxidants,

Non-enzymatic antioxidants,

Oxidative stress, Potato,

Zinc nanoparticles

Publication Data

Paper received : 21.11.2015

Revised received : 22.02.2016

Accepted : 05.08.2016

Abstract

Aim: Nitrogen is a critical input involved in plant metabolism growth and in different biochemical processes. Nitrogen participates directly in amino acid, protein and other cellular component syntheses, which are required for plant growth and development. Therefore, nitrogen application greatly influences starch and protein composition and, very little information is available on the effect of nitrogen fertilizer on protein sub fractions and starch components with little emphasis on quality characteristics. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the genotypic variation based on starch and protein accumulation under different doses of nitrogen.

Methodology: Potato plants were grown in growth chambers. Two foliar sprays of zinc nanoparticles of 100, 300 and 500 ppm were given on potato plants. First spray was given after 25 days and the second after 45 days of planting. Enzymatic antioxidants (catalase and peroxidase), non enzymatic antioxidants (total phenolics and anthocyanins) and carbohydrates (starch and total soluble sugars) were analysed.

Results: The activity of enzymes was high in zinc nanoparticle treated plants compared to control plants. There were 142, 109 and 212% increase in catalase activity in plants treated with 100, 300 and 500 ppm concentration of nanoparticles, respectively. Increase in peroxidase activity was significant at 500 ppm concentration. Treatment with zinc nanoparticles increased the total phenolics and anthocyanin content significantly at 300 and 500 ppm concentrations. There were 15, 29 and 259% increase in the starch content due to 100, 300 and 500 ppm concentration of nanoparticles, respectively.   

Interpretation: The increase in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants clearly indicated that the zinc nanoparticles lead to oxidative stress and caused toxicity to potato plants. 

Copyright ? 2017 Triveni Enterprises. All rights reserved. No part of the Journal can be reproduced in any form without prior permission. Responsibility regarding the authenticity of the data, and the acceptability of the conclusions enforced or derived, rest completely with the author(s).