System for synthesizing nanofertilizers to improve the germination of tomatoes, chili peppers and eggplants

Abstract

A system for the synthesis of zinc oxide, iron oxide and manganese oxide nanoparticles by means of green synthesis using pea shell biomass extract as a reducing agent, wherein the nanoparticles have sizes in the range of 40-120 nm, which were confirmed by UV-Vis absorption, FTIR and FESEM.

Description

Application area of ​​the invention

[0001] The invention relates to agricultural nanotechnology systems for the synthesis of zinc, iron and manganese oxide nanoparticles using environmentally friendly processes and their application as nanofertilizers to improve germination and early growth of tomatoes, chili peppers and eggplants. Background of the invention

[0002] Germination and early vigor are crucial factors for crop yield. Conventional fertilizers have drawbacks in terms of inefficient nutrient delivery and environmental impact. Nanofertilizers, synthesized on the nanoscale and often using environmentally friendly processes with biomass extracts, offer superior bioavailability and controlled release of essential micronutrients such as zinc, iron, and manganese, which activate enzymatic pathways essential for plant growth. Studies show that nanoparticles ranging in size from 40 to 120 nm improve nutrient uptake and stimulate physiological processes such as root and shoot growth in various crops. Environmentally friendly synthesis using plant biomass as a reducing agent avoids toxic chemicals, thus enabling sustainable production methods.Studies demonstrate a significant improvement in germination rate, shoot and root length, and germination capacity after treatment with nanoparticles at optimized concentrations (e.g., 10–50 ppm), which is statistically significant (p = 0.05). There is a need for standardized nanofertilizers that offer these benefits cost-effectively in various crops using scalable, environmentally friendly synthesis methods.

[0003] Summary of the invention: The invention relates to nanofertilizers synthesized using environmentally friendly processes and pea hull biomass extract to reduce zinc, iron, and manganese precursors. This process yields ZnO, Fe₂O₃, and MnO₂ nanoparticles with a size of approximately 40–120 nm, as confirmed by FESEM and spectroscopic characterization (UV-Vis and FTIR). These nanoparticles were applied to tomato, chili, and eggplant seeds in aqueous suspensions at different concentrations (10, 20, and 50 ppm) and sprayed three times at 48-hour intervals. Germination parameters such as germination percentage, root and shoot length, and germination viability index were recorded. Eggplant seeds treated with the 10 ppm formulation showed the highest germination rate. The FeMn nanoparticles proved highly effective in all crops.Statistical analyses confirm a significant improvement in seedling growth and germination compared to untreated controls, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of the nanofertilizer. This system offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly platform for the production and application of nanofertilizers that promote early plant growth and has broad application potential in agriculture.

[0004] Detailed description: For the synthesis of the nanofertilizer, an aqueous extract of pea hull biomass is used as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. Zinc acetate, iron(III) nitrate, and manganese chloride serve as metal precursors. Under controlled reaction conditions, the biomass extract reduces these metal salts to ZnO, Fe₂O₃, and MnO₂ nanoparticles. This is confirmed by UV-Vis absorption peaks at approximately 357 nm (ZnO), 333 nm (Fe₂O₃), and 360 nm (MnO₂). FTIR analysis identifies characteristic metal oxide bands in the range of 400–800 cm⁻¹. -1 FESEM images show nanoparticle morphologies that are predominantly spherical, agglomerated, and globular. Size distributions were determined to be 40–120 nm for ZnO, 43–57 nm for Fe₂O₃, and 50–100 nm for MnO₂.

[0005] For bioassays, three seed batches (20 seeds each) of tomatoes, chili peppers, and eggplants were sterilized and sprayed with nanofertilizer suspensions at different concentrations (10, 20, 50 ppm). The treatments were carried out three times at 48-hour intervals. Germination rate, shoot and root length, and the vitality index were measured regularly during germination. The highest germination rate was observed in eggplants after spraying with 10 ppm ZnFeMn composite nanoparticles. FeMn nanoparticles showed a consistent increase in germination in all crops, suggesting synergistic micronutrient effects. Chili seeds achieved the highest vitality after treatment with 20 ppm Zn; tomato and eggplant seeds responded similarly to treatments with 10 ppm Fe and 20 ppm Mn, respectively. Statistical analysis with a significance level of p = 0.05 confirmed the reliability and reproducibility of the improvements.

[0006] The composition of this nano-fertilizer promotes sustainable agriculture through efficient nutrient supply, improving the early growth stages crucial for overall yield. The environmentally friendly synthesis process is scalable and minimizes the use of hazardous chemicals and input costs while maximizing seed performance. This system supports widespread agricultural use for various crops that require micronutrient supplementation during germination and early development.

Claims

[1] A system for the synthesis of zinc oxide, iron oxide and manganese oxide nanoparticles by green synthesis using pea shell biomass extract as a reducing agent, wherein the nanoparticles have sizes in the range of 40-120 nm, which were confirmed by UV-Vis absorption, FTIR and FESEM. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein aqueous suspensions of ZnO, Fe2O3 and MnO2 nanoparticles in concentrations of 10, 20 and 50 ppm are applied three times at intervals of 48 hours to sterilized tomato, chili and aubergine seeds. [3] System according to claim 2, wherein germination parameters such as germination percentage, shoot / root length and germination strength index are measured. The results show statistically significant improvements (p = 0.05) with maximum germination in aubergines after treatment with 10 ppm. [4] System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein composite nanoparticles of FeMn and ZnFeMn exhibit broad efficacy in improving seed germination and vigor in all tested crops.