Fe2O3 nanoparticles from Athrixia phylicoides DC and their effect on Cicer arietinum L. growth performance

Chickpea is mostly grown in nutrient-deficient soils where supplies are made through conventional fertilisers which present certain environmental issues such as soil degradation, and water and soil contamination. Thus, the use of other technologies such as nanotechnology is being implemented as a remedy to achieve sustainable agriculture without altering the environment. This study reports the effect of different concentrations of green synthesised Fe2O3 nanoparticles on the performance of chickpeas grown under glasshouse conditions. The characterisation techniques confirmed the synthesis of spherical Fe2O3 NPs with an average diameter of 47,16 nm. These nanoparticles were less toxic to human embryonic kidney and lung adenocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, results confirmed the increase in the number of leaves and nodules, as well as the grain weight, for both Kabuli and Desi genotypes, as compared to the control plants. Similarly, the water use efficiency of Kabuli was increased with the Fe2O3 nanoparticles but reduced for the Desi genotype. The N2 fixation, C shoot content and concentration as well as the delta 13C values were improved with the nanoparticles application. Thus, the use of Fe2O3 nanoparticles could be an alternative for the iron fertilisation of chickpeas to reduce the environmental risks posed by conventional inorganic fertilisers.