Biosynthesized gold nanoparticles maintained nitrogen metabolism, nitric oxide synthesis, ions balance, and stabilizes the defense systems to improve salt stress tolerance in wheat

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) Vol. 287; no. Pt 2; p. 132142
• Main Authors: Wahid, Iram, Rani, Pratibha, Kumari, Sarika, Ahmad, Rafiq, Hussain, Sofi J., Alamri, Saud, Tripathy, Nirmalya, Khan, M. Iqbal R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2022
• Subjects: Ascorbate-glutathione pathway; Glyoxalase system; Gold; Gold nanoparticles; Green synthesis; Ions; Metal Nanoparticles; Nitric Oxide; Nitrogen; Salt Stress; Stress, Physiological; Triticum; Ascorbate-glutathione pathway; Green synthesis; Salt stress; Glyoxalase system; Gold nanoparticles; Nitric oxide
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132142

Green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) is competent in inducing physiological responses in plants for combating the abiotic stresses. Considering this, salt stress is one of the most alarming conditions that exerts complex and polygenic impacts on morph-physiological functioning of plants; resulting in reduced crop productivity and yield. Therefore, understanding the salt responses and tolerance mechanisms are important for sustaining crop productivity. In the current study, we have examined the effects of biosynthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on wheat (Triticum aestivum) plants under salt stress. Green-synthesized AuNPs were found beneficial in modulating the K+/Na+ ratio, chlorophyll concentration, defense systems, nitrogen assimilation, stomatal dynamics and growth traits under salt stress condition. Furthermore, the excessive accumulation of oxidative stress markers including reactive oxygen/nitrogen species was controlled in response of AuNPs treatment under salt stress. Overall, modulation of these traits commanded to induce salt stress tolerance in wheat plants. [Display omitted] •Salt stress increases oxidative stress and inhibits growth.•Biosynthesized AuNPs strengthens defense mechanisms under salt stress.•Biosynthesized AuNPs improves nitrogen assimilation and ionic balance under salt stress.•Biosynthesized AuNPs effectively modulates the accumulation of nitric oxide under salt stress.