Summary
This study evaluated the efficacy of foliar copper nanoparticle application (250 mg L−1) in mitigating salt stress damage to tomato plants under 50 mM NaCl conditions. Copper nanoparticles substantially improved plant performance, Na+/K+ homeostasis, and enhanced accumulation of bioactive compounds including vitamin C and phenols in fruit, alongside significant upregulation of antioxidant enzyme systems. The findings suggest that copper nanoparticle spraying activates plant defence mechanisms that confer salinity tolerance whilst simultaneously improving the nutritional quality of the harvested produce.
UK applicability
Direct application to UK field conditions is limited, as the study was conducted under controlled or semi-arid conditions not typical of UK temperate climates. However, the approach may be relevant for protected cropping systems (glasshouses) where salinity stress or controlled environment conditions are relevant, and offers insight into nanotechnology-based interventions for crop resilience and nutrient biofortification.
Key measures
Plant development and performance metrics; tissue Cu content; Na+/K+ ratio; leaf phenol content (16% increase); fruit vitamin C (80% increase); fruit glutathione (81% increase); fruit phenols (7.8% increase); enzyme activities (PAL, APX, GPX, SOD, CAT) in leaf tissue (104%, 140%, 26%, 8%, 93% increases respectively)
Outcomes reported
The study measured agronomic performance, mineral accumulation (Cu, Na+/K+ ratio), and biochemical markers (antioxidant enzymes and phytochemicals) in tomato plants exposed to salt stress with and without foliar copper nanoparticle application. Vitamin C, glutathione, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant enzyme activities were quantified in leaf and fruit tissues.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.