Foliar Applications of ZnO and SiO2 Nanoparticles Mitigate Water Deficit and Enhance Potato Yield and Quality Traits

Abstract

The yield and quality of field crops are affected by abiotic stresses such as water deficit, which can negatively impact crop growth, productivity, and quality. However, nanotechnology holds great promise for increasing crop yield, maintaining quality, and thus mitigating abiotic stresses. Therefore, the current study was conducted to examine the influences of 0, 50, and 100 mg L−1 zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and 0, 25, and 50 mg L−1 silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles on the yield and quality traits of potato plants grown under water deficit conditions (100%, 75%, and 50% ETc). Water deficit significantly reduced yield traits (average tuber weight, number of plant tubers, and tuber yield) and quality traits (tuber diameter, crude protein, and mineral content). However, it enhanced tuber dry weight, specific gravity, ascorbic acid, starch, and total soluble solids. Foliar applications of ZnO and SiO2 nanoparticles under water deficit treatments significantly enhanced yield and improved quality traits of potato plants. Moreover, significant and positive correlations were found among yield traits. Thus, it can be concluded that using ZnO NPs at 100 mg L−1 significantly improves potato productivity and quality traits by mitigating the negative effects of water deficit in arid regions.