Summary
This study evaluated MgFe-layered double hydroxide nanoparticles (MgFe-LDHs) as a cost-effective, eco-friendly fertiliser to enhance iron bioavailability and cold tolerance in cucumber seedlings. Application of 10 mg/L MgFe-LDHs significantly increased iron content by 46% and nitrogen content by 12% in seedlings under low-temperature stress, alongside improvements in growth metrics, with mechanistic evidence suggesting enhanced cold tolerance via upregulation of salicylic acid signalling, gibberellin accumulation, and peroxidase activity. The nanocrystalline nature of MgFe-LDHs proved superior to conventional iron salt solutions for plant iron absorption.
Regional applicability
The findings on nanoparticle-mediated iron biofortification and cold-stress resilience may be applicable to United Kingdom horticulture, particularly for protected cropping systems and regions experiencing temperature variability; however, the study was conducted in a controlled laboratory environment and would require field validation under UK climate and soil conditions before adoption.
Key measures
Fe content (46% increase), N content (12% increase), seedling emergence rate, root length, lateral root number, root fresh weight, aboveground fresh weight, hypocotyl length, seed germination, water uptake, gene expression (CsFAD3, peroxidase), phytohormone levels (SA, GA3, ABA, JA)
Outcomes reported
The study measured iron and nitrogen content accumulation in cucumber seedlings, seedling growth parameters (root length, lateral root number, root and aboveground fresh weight, hypocotyl length), seed germination rate, and emergence rate under low-temperature stress following MgFe-LDH nanoparticle application.
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