Green Nanotechnology for Crop Enhancement: The Role of ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized With Lavender Extract

Abstract

Nano-sized semiconductors, particularly zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), have gained significant attention due to their unique properties and applications in fields such as solar energy, electronics, biology, and medicine. This study focused on the environmentally friendly synthesis of ZnO-NPs using lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) extract (l-ZnO-NPs) and the effects of two different applications, foliar spraying and integration into hydrogel, on the growth and development of wheat plants. Characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and x-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed their excellent purity and crystallinity. According to SEM data, the average particle size distribution of Raw- and l-ZnO-NPs was 92.23 and 82.61 nm, respectively; they were determined as 26.78 and 21.9 nm, according to XRD data. ZnO-NPs suspension increased the seed germination percentage (GP) by 20%, root and shoot lengths by 30%, and chlorophyll content by 15% compared to the control. Raw- and l-ZnO-NPs suspensions exhibited 100% GP at 4000 mg/L concentration. Moreover, the hydrogel treatment enhanced the plant height at 3000 mg/L concentration of Raw- and l-ZnO-NPs content. Foliar and hydrogel treatments promoted the Zn²⁺ uptake, and the maximum values were 4.47 mg/g at 2000 mg/L l-ZnO-NPs concentration and 3.47 mg/g at 1000 mg/L hydrogels contained l-ZnO-NPs concentrations, respectively. This study underscores green-synthesized ZnO-NPs’ potential for sustainable agriculture, providing an eco-friendly method to boost crop productivity. The findings contribute to addressing food security and environmental sustainability amidst the ongoing climate crisis. The water retention properties of hydrogels further address critical challenges like water scarcity in irrigation, exacerbated by climate change.