Effect of ZnO, Cu and SiO2 Nanoparticles on Drought Tolerance in Two Wheat Varieties: Kalar1 and Kalar2 during Seedling Stage

Abstract

Drought is abiotic stress that directly influences crop growth performance, including wheat. In this study, the nanotechnology method was applied to decrease the impact of drought on wheat growth. For this purpose, three types of drought resistance nanoparticles (Silicon dioxide (SiO2), Zinc oxide (ZnO), and Copper (Cu)) were used with two wheat varieties (kalar1 and kalar2) in the Garmian district. The results showed that nanoparticles increased specific leaf area, chlorophyll, soluble carbohydrate, catalase enzyme activity, phosphor, and potassium under drought stress compared with the control. SiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles had better impacts on some morphological and biochemical parameters than Cu. Different drought-resistance nanoparticles could be used to cope with drought impact in the Garmain district and improve wheat growth.