Nanotechnology and nanomaterials, including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), are increasingly important in modern science, economics, and agriculture. Their biological activity involves influencing plant health, physiological processes, growth, and yields, although they can also be toxic in the environment. A new fertiliser was made based on a urea solution with a relatively low content of AgNPs obtained by the reduction of silver nitrate V. Laboratory tests were used to assess the effect of a fertiliser solution containing 10 ppm AgNPs on the germination of agricultural plant seeds (barley, peas, oilseed rape) and vegetables (radish, cucumber, lettuce) and its foliar application on chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and seedling biomass. Field experiments were conducted to assess the effect that a foliar application of 15 ppm AgNPs in working liquid had on physiological plant parameters and yields of rape and cucumber. The AgNPs in the tested fertiliser reduced infestation of the germinating seeds by pathogens and positively affected the physiological processes, productivity, and yields of plants. Plant response depended on plant species and habitat conditions. Reduced pathogen infestation of seeds, higher germination energy, increased chlorophyll content and stomatal conductance, and higher seedling masses all occurred under the influence of AgNPs, mainly in oilseed rape and cucumber, and especially under thermal stress. The beneficial effect of AgNPs on the yield of these plants occurred in years of unfavourable weather conditions. The positive agricultural test results, especially under stress conditions, indicate that fertiliser produced with AgNPs as an ingredient may reduce the use of pesticides and highly concentrated mineral fertilisers. Such a fertiliser is fully in line with the idea of sustainable agriculture. However, research on the effects that AgNPs and fertiliser have on the environment and humans should continue.

• Klíčová slova
• nanomaterials, nanosilver, nanotechnology, plant growth, seed germination, yields,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

AgNPs have attracted considerable attention in many applications including industrial use, and their antibacterial properties have been widely investigated. Due to the green synthesis process employed, the nanoparticle surface can be coated with molecules with biologically important characteristics. It has been reported that increased use of nanoparticles elevates the risk of their release into the environment. However, little is known about the behaviour of AgNPs in the eco-environment. In this study, the effect of green synthesized AgNPs on germinated plants of maize was examined. The effects on germination, basic growth and physiological parameters of the plants were monitored. Moreover, the effect of AgNPs was compared with that of Ag(I) ions in the form of AgNO3 solution. It was found that the growth inhibition of the above-ground parts of plants was about 40%, and AgNPs exhibited a significant effect on photosynthetic pigments. Significant differences in the following parameters were observed: weights of the caryopses and fresh weight (FW) of primary roots after 96 h of exposure to Ag(I) ions and AgNPs compared to the control and between Ag compounds. In addition, the coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG) between the control and the AgNPs varied and that between the Ag(I) ions and AgNPs was also different. Phytotoxicity was proved in the following sequence: control < AgNPs < Ag(I) ions.

• Klíčová slova
• green synthesis, phyto-nanotechnology, phytotoxicity, plant physiology, thiol compounds,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Nanomaterials in agriculture are becoming popular due to the impressive advantages of these particles. However, their bioavailability and toxicity are key features for their massive employment. Herein, we comprehensively summarize the latest findings on the phytotoxicity of nanomaterial products based on essential metals used in plant protection. The metal nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized from essential metals belong to the most commonly manufactured types of nanomaterials since they have unique physical and chemical properties and are used in agricultural and biotechnological applications, which are discussed. The paper discusses the interactions of nanomaterials and vascular plants, which are the subject of intensive research because plants closely interact with soil, water, and atmosphere; they are also part of the food chain. Regarding the accumulation of NPs in the plant body, their quantification and localization is still very unclear and further research in this area is necessary.

• Klíčová slova
• Agriculture, Essential metal nanoparticles, Fertilizers, Nanomaterials, Nanoparticles uptake, Phytotoxicity,
• MeSH
• fyziologie rostlin účinky léků   MeSH
• kovové nanočástice chemie   toxicita   MeSH
• kovy chemie   metabolismus   toxicita   MeSH
• nanotechnologie * metody   MeSH
• rostliny účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• testy toxicity metody   MeSH
• zemědělství * metody   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Názvy látek
• kovy MeSH

The application of nanomaterials in commercially available products is increasing rapidly for agriculture, phytoremediation and biotechnology. Since plants suppose the first sink for the accumulation of nanoparticles from the environment, emerging studies have focused on the general consequences for plants and their effects on the biomass production. However, effects on the root surface, as well as blockage of nutrients and water uptake by the roots, may also occur. This experiment was designed to prove if the plant water relations can be affected by the adsorption of nanoparticles on the root surface, causing a consequent stress for the plants. With this goal, plants of Helianthus annuus were previously grown in a hydroponic culture, and at age of 55 days, their roots were exposed to three different concentrations of nanomaghemite (NM) in the hydroponic solution for 5 days: control without NM; 50 and 100 mg l(-1) NM. The main effect was related to the reduction of the root hydraulic conductivity (Lo) and the nutrients uptake. The concentrations of the macronutrients Ca, K, Mg and S in the shoot were reduced relative to the control plants, which resulted in lower contents of chlorophyll pigments. Although stress was not detected in the plants, after the analysis of stress markers like the accumulation of proline or ascorbate in the tissues, reduction of the root functionality by nanoparticles has been identified here, manifested as the effect of NM on Lo. The treatment with 50 mg l(-1) NM significantly reduced the Lo, by up to 57% of its control value, and it was reduced by up to 26% at 100 mg l(-1) NM. These results will be an important factor to take into account with regard to the applicability of NM for long-term use in crops, particularly during privative water conditions.

• Klíčová slova
• Chlorophylls, Metals, Nano-oxide, Root hydraulic conductivity, Sunflower, Uptake,
• MeSH
• biologický transport MeSH
• biomasa MeSH
• chlorofyl metabolismus   MeSH
• Helianthus účinky léků   růst a vývoj   metabolismus   MeSH
• kořeny rostlin účinky léků   růst a vývoj   metabolismus   MeSH
• nanočástice toxicita   MeSH
• prolin metabolismus   MeSH
• voda metabolismus   MeSH
• železité sloučeniny farmakologie   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chlorofyl MeSH
• ferric oxide MeSH Prohlížeč
• prolin MeSH
• voda MeSH
• železité sloučeniny MeSH