Silicon nanoparticles enhance maize yield and water productivity via regulating photosynthesis and canopy structure under mild regulated deficit irrigation.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) effectively mitigate drought stress in crops, yet their physiological mechanisms in maize remain unclear.

Methods

This study conducted field experiments in the arid region of northwest China, setting up three maize genotypes (Zhengdan 958, Zhongdan 2, and MC670), two irrigation methods (full irrigation, FI, and regulated deficit irrigation, RDI), and two exogenous treatments (water as control, and SiNPs application).

Results

The RDI increased stomatal density (SD), intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE), and water productivity (WP), albeit with a slight reduction in yield. However, the application of SiNPs increased the yield and WP across all three genotypes under both FI and RDI. Additionally, SiNPs notably enhanced S

SUBMITTER: Liang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12816220 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature