EFFECTS OF IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLES ON LEAF PARAMETERS OF TOMATO

ABSTRACT

This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) on leaf parameters of Solanum lycopersicum and rhizospheric bacteria. Tomato seedlings were grown and transplanted into perforated buckets containing soils at the 3-leaf stage. Iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) were phytosynthesized using neem leaf extract and iron chloride (FeCl3) precursor solution. The FeONPs were characterized using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer after 24 hours of synthesis. The FeONPs were rhizoinjected into the soils containing the tomato seedlings. Water and precursor solution were used as controls. Leaf parameters, which include number of leaves and flowers were recorded. Twenty-five days after transplanting, bacterial rhizospheric organisms were isolated and characterized using cultural and molecular methods. It was observed that the plants rhizoinjected with 100% nanoparticles had a lesser number of leaves and flowers. However, the plants rhizoinjected with 50% nanoparticles produced more leaves. Bacillus toyonensis were observed in the 0% (control soil) and the precursor solution treatments, while Micrococcus luteus was observed in the FeONP-treated soils. The findings of this study reveal that a very high concentration of FeONPs reduces the number of leaves and flowers of Solanum lycopersicum, and have a detrimental effect on the bacterial rhizospheric community.