Foliar Nano-Fertilization with ZnO and Fe₂O₃ Nanoparticles Enhances Phytochemical Quality and Antioxidant Capacity of Ocimum basilicum L.
نویسندگان
1 Forensic Science Department, College of Science, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Diwaniyah, Iraq
2 Department of Environment, College of Science, University of AL-Qadisiyah, Iraq
3 Department of Basic Science, College of Dentistry, University of AL-Qadisiyah, Iraq
doi
10.22052/JNS.2026.03.021چکیده
The study examined the impact of ZnO and Fe₂O₃-nanoparticles on growth, metabolite buildup, and antioxidant enzyme activity in three sweet basil cultivars (Ocimum basilicum L.). A factorial randomised complete block arrangement was duplicated three times in the 2025 season study. ZnO-NPs and Fe₂O₃-NPs were foliar sprayed on Dark Opal, Genovese, and Cinnamon basil cultivars at 0, 50, 100, and 150mg.L⁻¹; nanomaterials were characterised using SEM and XRD. Increased plant height, leaf number, shoot biomass, and chlorophyll levels were observed with both nanoparticle types, with the most consistent morphological benefits across cultivars at 100mg.L⁻¹ ZnO-NPs. After treatment, carbohydrates, proteins, and free amino acids increased significantly. Fe₂O₃-NPs at 100mg.L⁻¹ significantly increased secondary metabolism, including phenolics, flavonoids, and essential oils. CAT, POD, and SOD activities increased in treated plants, and GC-MS profiling showed bioactive chemical variations between treatments and cultivars. While cultivar x treatment interaction was significant for most variables, Dark Opal was the most responding cultivar. The study suggests that foliar sprays of ZnO-NPs and Fe₂O₃-NPs can improve the growth and phytochemical value of sweet basil, potentially for medicinal plant production.
