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International Conference on

Recent Trends in Environmental Sustainability

ESCON22/NMsB/23
Effect of foliar spray of silicon nanoparticles on growth and Cd uptake by wheat under
water limited stress

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Muhammad Adrees , Zahra Saeed Khan , Muhammad Rizwan , Shafaqat Ali *
1 Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Government College University,
38000 Faisalabad, Pakistan
Correspondence: shafaqataligill@yahoo.com
Abstract
The effects of foliar application of silicon nanoparticles (Si NPs) on the growth, physiology
and cadmium (Cd) uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were examined. Wheat was grown
in aged Cd stressed soil and Si NPs were applied in the foliar form with different levels (0, 25,
50 and 100 mg/L) twice a month after germination. Two moisture levels (35% and 70% water
holding capacity) were maintained after 6 weeks of plant growth. Growth parameters (plant
height, spike length, and dry weights of shoots, roots and grains) were increased with increasing
spray of Si NPs with normal moisture level (70% WHC). The best results of growth parameters
were found with the highest concentration of NPs under normal moisture level. Silicon NPs
showed positive results on wheat photosynthesis over control treatment. Water stress (35%
WHC) enhanced the Cd contents in plants. The uptake of Cd was significantly reduced in the
above ground biomass with the foliar spray of Si NPs irrespective of soil moisture conditions.
In grain, the Cd concentration was below the threshold limit (0.2 mg/kg) for cereals when the
wheat was treated with Si NPs. The Si NPs treatments enhanced the Si contents in specific
plant organ like root, stem, leaf and grains. Overall, the foliar supply of Si NPs plays a
significant role in increasing growth, nutrient contents and decreasing Cd toxicity in wheat.
Keywords: Silicon nanoparticles, cadmium, cereals, nutrient contents

Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus

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