Phenotypic responses of wheat genotypes to nano-fertilizers: Implications for agronomic management and yield

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in Egypt to evaluate the impact of foliar-applied nano-fertilizers (boron, zinc, and potassium) on the physiological attributes and yield of 10 newly developed wheat lines (Triticum aestivum L.) and four local commercial cultivars. Using a split-plot design, the study examined genotype × treatment interactions and utilized principal component analysis (PCA) to identify trade-offs in yield and plant architecture. Results indicated that nano-fertilizers significantly enhanced production; specifically, potassium at 12 g/L achieved the highest grain yield of 7.57 t/ha, representing a 76% increase over the control. Boron at 4.5 mg/L was particularly effective for responsive genotypes, increasing grain yield per plant in line L10 by 92%, while zinc at 30 mg/L improved chlorophyll content by 24%. PCA explained 58.7% of the total variation, identifying a correlation between high-yielding genotypes and compact plant height. Genotype-specific responses were prominent, with lines L26 and L31 demonstrating superior reliability and yield potential under potassium treatment. This study highlights the novelty of nano-fertilizer programs as a sustainable tool to overcome nutrient deficiencies. These findings provide a practical framework for agronomists and farmers to select high-performing, treatment-specific cultivars for immediate field deployment, optimizing wheat productivity under challenging environmental conditions.