Bulb-Priming Followed by Foliar Magnetite Nanoparticle Applications Improve Growth, Bulb Yield, Antioxidant Activities, and Iron Fortification in Shallot in Semi-Arid Regions.

ABSTRACT: Shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss.) is of considerable nutritional and medical significance due to its strong antioxidant properties; however, no nanophytotoxicity studies have assessed whether the use of nanofertilizers would improve shallot performance, micronutrient iron (Fe) enrichment, and yield in semi-arid regions. Herein, we evaluated the effects of magnetite nanoparticles (nFe₃O₄) on shallot grown for a full lifecycle in two semi-arid regions through bulb-priming followed by foliar application and compared them with conventional ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄) fertilizer and untreated control. Our results showed remarkable cellular adaptations to semi-arid climate upon nFe₃O₄ treatment as leaves displayed thickened cell walls,

SUBMITTER: Moguee S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12845011 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature