To study the “Effect of nano fertilizers on growth and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a field experiment was carried out at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Jodhpur during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2021-22 & 2022-23. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with fourteen treatments replicated thrice. Results showed that the application of 100% RDF + ST with nano DAP and two foliar spray of nano urea at 35 & 55 DAS was recorded highest amount of dry matter accumulation (g/m2) and CGR (g/m2/day) at different crop growth stages which was found statistically at par with treatments of100% RDF + 2 FS of nano urea at 35 and 55 DAS, 100% RDF + FS of nano DAP at 35 DAS, 75% RDF + ST with nano DAP and 2 foliar spray of nano urea at 35 & 55 DAS. Application of 100% RDF + ST with nano DAP and two foliar spray of nano urea at 35 & 55 DAS was also recorded highest amount of grain yield which was found statistically at par with treatments of100% RDF + 2 FS of nano urea at 35 and 55 DAS, 100% RDF + FS of nano DAP at 35 DAS, 75% RDF + ST with nano DAP and 2 foliar spray of nano urea at 35 & 55 DAS respectively on pooled basis.

Foliar spray, CGR, Dry matter accumulation, Seed treatment and Wheat.

Wheat has a global significance as it is staple food for millions of people and supplies 20% of the food calories for World's population. In India, it is the second staple food crop next to rice contributing about 32% of the total food grain production. Wheat and rice are considered as the backbone of Nation's food security system. It is the cheapest source and supplier of the calories and protein for healthy diet (Heyne, 1987). Wheat straw is also a major source of fodder for the animal population of the country. Wheat grains contain gluten, a protein that allows leavened dough expansion by creating tiny gas cells, thereby enabling bakers to create soft bread products. China, India, U.S.A., Russia, France, Canada, Germany, Turkey, Australia and Ukrain are leading wheat producing countries. In India, wheat stands second position in area and production, but first in productivity amongst all the cereals with acreage, production and productivity of 31.23 million hectares, 112.92 million tonnes and 3615 kg/ha, respectively (IIWBR, Karnal, 2023-24). In Rajasthan, wheat crop covers an area of 27.85 lakh hectares with an annual production of 10.41 million tonnes and an average productivity of 3739 kg/ha which is slightly higher than national average. Rajasthan state is on fifth position in wheat production after Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh (Government of Rajasthan, 2023-24).

Wheat has significantly contributed towards the success of green revolution and has greatly helped to transform our country from a situation of hand to mouth to being self-sufficient. The increase in wheat productivity mainly depends on the fertilizers as it is a heavy feeder crop. Macro nutrients like N, P and K in sufficient quantity throughout the growing season are essential for optimum plant growth (Haque et al., 2001). Nitrogen has important phenomenon in various physiological process of plant as it gives a dark green color to leaves and promotes the cell division in growing part the plant mainly stem, leaves and other vegetative parts. It also stimulates plant root growth. Phosphorus is next important nutrient which act as energy currency within the plants and participate in a wide range of plant processes from promoting cell division to development of vigorous root system and plays a vital role in uniform grain filling, grain quality (protein and oil production) and higher yield (Choudhary et al., 2018). Phosphorus helps in root, flower and fruit development. It is very much important for quality seed production. It is constituent of ADP and ATP, plays key role in energy transformation and storage. It also helps in the assimilation of photosynthates into other metabolites and hence act as an activity zone for CO2 assimilation.

Nano fertilizers, ranging in size from 1 to 100 nanometres, release nutrients gradually over an extended period. This controlled release effectively reduces nutrient loss from the soil and minimizes the risk of soil and groundwater pollution (Meena et al., 2017). The progress of agriculture sector is only achievable by rising resource use efficiency with the minimum damage to production led through effective use of modern technologies (Naderi and Shahraki 2013). To conquer all these drawbacks, nano fertilizers can go extensive way in ensuring sustainable health of soil and production of crops (Lal, 2008). Adoption of nano fertilizers for revolutionary transformation through nanotechnology, which helps to sustain soil health at the same time ensuring high productivity (Shang et al., 2019). Nano fertilizers can be produced by different carrier materials e.g., zeolite, hydroxyapatite NPs, mesoporous silica NPs, nitrogen, carbon, zinc, copper, silica and polymeric NPs (Chaitra et al., 2021) which release nutrients in protective manner. Benzon et al. (2015) reported that nano fertilizers when combined with conventional ones, enhanced plant height by providing nutrients and aiding nutrient transport and absorption. Nano fertilizers are recognized for their precise nutrient release and targeted delivery at the nanoscale, enhancing plant productivity and mitigating environmental pollution (Fatima et al., 2020). Nano fertilizers are required in small quantity which reduces toxic effect caused by the extreme use of conventional fertilizers and have higher use efficiency than conventional fertilizers which reduces losses of nutrients. Foliar application is a method of nourishing plants by spraying liquid fertilizers directly onto their leaves, promoting enhanced absorption in the above-ground parts of the plant (Nasiri et al., 2010; Marzouk et al., 2019). The application of foliar nano ureaitrogen and Zinc fertilizers has been shown to enhance the growth parameters of wheat when compared to other fertilizer sources (Ghorbanpour et al., 2017). Nano fertilizers are efficiently absorbed by plant because of its ultra high absorption feature and high surface to volume ratio (Elemike et al., 2019). Nano fertilizers performed better than commercial urea in different crops (Velmurugan et al., 2021). In this context, nano fertilizers are better substitute to conventional fertilizers as they are eco-friendly, cost effective, maintain soil fertility and plant health. 

Many researchers have witnessed that it is a boon for high crop production, so the present research work entitled "Effect of nano fertilizers on growth and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)" have been framed.

Experimental site. The experiment was carried out at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Jodhpur during rabi seasons of 2021-22 & 2022-23. Geographically, Jodhpur is situated between 26°15′ N to 26°45′ North latitude and 73°00′ E to latitude 73°29' East longitude at an altitude of 231 meter above mean sea level. The soil was loamy sand in texture, slightly alkaline in reaction (pH 7.8), low in organic carbon (0.14%) and available nitrogen (175 kg/ha).

Experimental treatments. The field experiment was tested in randomized block design (RBD) with fourteen treatments replicated thrice. The treatments comprised of T1-100% RDF + two foliar spray of nano urea at 35 & 55 DAS, T2-100% RDF +  foliar spray of nano DAP at 35 DAS, T3-100% RDF + ST with nano DAP at 5 ml/kg seed and two foliar spray of nano urea at 35 & 55 DAS, T4-75% RDF + two foliar spray of nano urea at 35 & 55 DAS, T5-75% RDF +  foliar spray of nano DAP at 35 DAS, T6-100% RDF + ST with nano DAP at 5 ml/kg seed and two foliar spray of nano urea at 35 & 55 DAS, T7-50% RDF + two foliar spray of nano urea at 35 & 55 DAS, T8-50% RDF +  foliar spray of nano DAP at 35 DAS, T9-50% RDF + ST with nano DAP at 5 ml/kg seed and two foliar spray of nano urea at 35 & 55 DAS, T10-Foliar spray of nano DAP at 35 DAS+ two foliar spray of nano urea at 35 & 55 DAS, T11-ST with nano DAP at 5 ml/kg seed + foliar spray of nano DAP at 35 DAS+ two foliar spray of nano urea at 35 & 55 DAS, T12-ST with nano DAP at 5 ml/kg seed+ two foliar spray of nano urea at 35 & 55 DAS, T13-100% RDF through conventional fertilizers and T14-Control. 

In accordance with the treatments, recommended doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers were given as basal application at the time of sowing through urea, di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and murate of potash (MOP). Specifically, half of the prescribed nitrogen quantity was applied as a basal application while the remaining amount of nitrogen top dressed within the standing crop through urea at the time of the first irrigation. As per treatments, ST was done with nano DAP at 5 ml/kg of seed with required quantity of water to form thin film on seed surface and then dried in shade. Thereafter, sowing was done in each marked plots. The FS of nano urea and nano DAP were done as per treatment combination. The foliar sprays of nano urea at 4 ml/L and nano DAP at 2 ml/L water was applied as per scheduled treatments. The first spray of nano urea was applied at 35 DAS, and the second spray at 55 DAS. FS of nano DAP was applied at 35 DAS

Effect on growth attributes. Among the several applied treatments in the experiment, application of 100% RDF + ST with nano DAP and 2 foliar sprays of nano urea at 35 & 55 DAS recorded highest amount of dry matter accumulation and CGR at different crop growth stages which was statistically at par with 100% RDF + 2 FS of nano urea at 35 and 55 DAS, 100% RDF + FS of nano DAP at 35 DAS, 75% RDF + ST with nano DAP and 2 foliar spray of nano urea at 35 & 55 DAS, on pooled basis. The notable increase in dry matter accumulation can be attributed to the positive effects of nano fertilizers on plant height, number of tillers and leaf area index. The accelerated photosynthetic rate and more amount of food production in leaves might be another reason for significant increase in dry matter and CGR in the treatments of nano applied at optimum fertility levels. A higher leaf area might have facilitated better utilization of solar radiation and available nutrients, which has increased dry matter accumulation. This increase in dry matter accumulation may be attributed cumulative growth, resulting in more biomass and nutrient uptake. The enhanced crop growth rate can be linked to the higher dry matter accumulation observed at various intervals in this trial. Singh et al. (2022) while working on wheat reported that the improved growth parameters observed with the application of nano fertilizers in combination with RDF, can be attributed to the gradual and sustained release of nutrient with the use of nano. The prolonged and enhanced availability of P from nano sources at critical physiological phases of crop growth might have played a pivotal role in augmenting various metabolic processes within the plants. Nano urea nitrogen and phosphorus nutrition at optimum RDF levels might have increased root length and root area resulting better uptake of other nutrients and this efficient absorption and utilization of other minerals might have supported growth of crop plant. Researchers have reported that phosphorus promotes enlargement of the root system of plants, especially the lateral and fibrous roots (Chopra et al., 2017). These results corroborate the findings of Aziz et al. (2016); Midde et al. (2022); Singh et al. (2022).

Effect on grain yield. Data revealed that 100% RDF + ST with nano DAP and 2 FS of nano urea at 35 & 55 DAS produced maximum grain yield of 4399 kg/ha which was statistically at par with treatments applied with 100% RDF + 2 FS of nano urea at 35 and 55 DAS (4203 kg/ha), 100% RDF + FS of nano DAP at 35 DAS (4154 kg/ha) and 75% RDF + ST with nano DAP and 2 FS of nano urea at 35 & 55 DAS (3965 kg/ha) but remained significantly superior over treatments applied with 50% RDF in combination with nano fertilizers. Application of ST with nano DAP + 2 FS of nano urea at 35 and 55 DAS recorded grain yield of 2294 kg/ha and when this treatment was super imposed with 50, 75 and 100% RDF, the grain yield was further improved by 54.4, 72.8 and 91.7%, respectively. The treatment of 50% RDF+ ST with nano DAP and 2 FS of nano urea at 35 & 55 DAS significantly improved the grain yield by 881 and 1940 52 kg/ha over FS of nano DAP at 35 DAS + 2 FS of nano urea at 35 and 55 DAS and control, respectively on pooled basis. Jones et al., (2020) postulated that the combined utilization of seed dressing and foliar applications represented a promising and effective alternative strategy for phosphorus fertilization in the context of spring wheat cultivation. Notably, the application of P in the form of seed dressing has been observed pronounced impact on lateral root production. Valluru et al. (2010) also reported the significance of seed dressing as a valuable tool for enhancing phosphorus fertilizer use efficiency. These findings are in close confirmity with the results reported by Al-Juthery et al. (2018); Kumar et al., (2020); Meena et al. (2021); Attri et al. (2022).

Effect on quality parameters

Effect on crude protein content (%). Application of 100% RDF + ST with nano DAP and 2 foliar spray of nano urea at 35 & 55 DAS increased protein content in wheat seed higher over ST with nano DAP + 2 foliar spray of nano urea at 35 and 55 DAS and control by 13.7 and 17.3%, respectively. Application of seed treatment with nano DAP + 2 FS of nano urea at 35 and 55 DAS produced protein content of 9.19%, when this treatment was super imposed with 50, 75 and 100% RDF, protein content was significantly improved by 9.7, 12.1 and 13.7%, respectively on pooled basis. The logical explanation for this phenomenon is that nano fertilizers are known to enhance the surface area of crop plants, thus facilitating increased nutrient uptake. This, in turn, contributes to the elevation of critical plant quality parameters, including protein and sugar content by quickening the rate of response or synthesis processes within the plant. Additionally, the controlled and steady release properties of nano-fertilizers played a pivotal role in maintaining equilibrium between the higher nitrogen content and uptake by the plant. This equilibrium, in turn, resulted in an improvement in protein content within the plants. These findings are aligned with prior research conducted by Al-juthery et al. (2018); Burhan & AL-Hassan (2019); Morsy et al. (2021); Ram et al. (2023); Dev et al. (2023). These studies collectively support that nano-fertilizers have a consistent positive effect on protein content in plants, underscoring their potential to enhance crop quality parameters.

Table 1: Effect of nano fertilizers and RDF levels on plant population of wheat crop (two year pooled).

Table 2: Effect of nano fertilizers and RDF levels on dry matter accumulation, CGR and grain yield of wheat crop (two year pooled).

Fig. 1. Effect of nano fertilizers and RDF levels on dry matter accumulation of wheat crop.

Fig. 2. Linear regression between dry matter at harvest and grain yield.

Fig. 3. Foliar spray of nano urea fertilizer during experimentation at 35 DAS.

Fig. 4. General view of experimental trial.

On the basis of two years experimentation, it can be concluded that wheat crop can be fertilized with 100% RDF (90 kg N/ha, 40 kg P2O5 and 20 kg K2O/ha) along with seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5 ml/kg of seed and two foliar spray of nano urea @ 4 ml/L of water at 35 & 55 DAS for higher production from crop. This treatment combination recorded highest amount of dry matter, crop growth rate, grain yield and crude protein content.

Hitesh Borana, Ishwar Singh, Jeeva Ram Verma, Bheru Lal Kumhar, Pushkar Dev and Moola Ram  (2024). Effect of Nano Fertilizers on Growth and Quality of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(8): 284-289.