Nano-Biofortification of Zinc in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Crops

The present study is carried out to establish the biofortification of zinc in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants through the application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs). The mycogenic ZnONPs are synthesized by using Aspergillus flavus biomass and characterized to ascertain the size, shape, and concentration of synthesized nanoparticles. The ZnONPs are applied by foliar spray to the field-grown potato and tomato crops and the biofortification level is recorded by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). A nanotoxicity assessment is done by comparing the amount of cell death and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in control and ZnONPs treated plants. The AAS analysis reveals significant accumulation of the zinc in leaves of potato plants but insignificant accumulation is observed in the tubers. However, a significant accumulation of zinc is observed in the leaves and fruits of the tomato plants (p <= 0.05). The nanotoxicity evaluation studies show comparable and statistically insignificant toxicity in control plants as compared to plants treated with ZnONPs. The study concludes that biofortification through the means of ZnONPs is a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach that can be used as an alternative to the hazardous chemical zinc fertilizers.