Lipid-based Fe- and Zn- nanoformulation is more effective in alleviating Fe- and Zn- deficiency in maize

Abstract

Improving uptake, translocation, and utilization of foliar applied Fe and Zn is essential for increasing biomass and grain yield under deficient conditions. We compared the effect of foliar applied lipid-based Pheroid Fe- or Zn- nanoformulation, chelate and sulfate forms on biomass, nutrient uptake and mobilization in maize grown under Fe and Zn deficiency scenarios in hydroponic systems and field trials. Foliar spray of Fe-Pheroid nanoformulation resulted in complete re-greening. Partial and no re-greening of mature and young leaves, respectively, were observed under FeSO₄ and Fe-HEDTA treatments. Foliar spray of Zn-Pheroid nanoformulation increased the Zn concentration of young leaves. In field trials, foliar spray of Fe- or Zn- chelate did not improve leaf Fe and Zn concentration or grain yield. Fe- and Zn-Pheroid nanoformulation improved the mobility of Fe and Zn within the plant. Field trials indicated that non-lipid-based formulation was not effective in amelioration of Fe- and Zn deficiency.

Keywords:

• Fe
• Foliar
• Nanoformulation
• Pheroid
• Translocation
• Zn

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the University of Nebraska’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nebraska Corn Board, and Winfield Solutions for providing partial funding for this research and Ms. Elizabeth Conley, Dr. Joel TerMaat, and Ms. Zully Perez-Sierra for their assistance with greenhouse setup and experimental procedures and AnnGro USA, LLC for donating the Pheroid nanoparticles.

Additional information

Funding

Manuscript preparation was made possible with the support of the American People provided to the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Sustainable Intensification through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government. Program activities are funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under Cooperative Agreement No. AID-OAA-L-14-00006.