Effects of Biofertilizers and Nano Zinc-Iron Oxide on Yield and Physicochemical Properties of Wheat under Water Deficit Conditions

Abstract

Field trial was conducted to study the effect of nanofertilizer and biofertilizer on physicochemical properties and grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under different irrigation levels. The treatments included four nanofertilizers (no nanofertilizer, nano zinc (Zn) oxide, nano iron (Fe) oxide, and nano Zn-Fe oxide, each 1.5 g L−1), four biofertilizer (without inoculation, seed inoculation by Azotobacter, Azosperilium, and Pseudomonas), and three irrigation levels (normal irrigation, moderate and severe water limitation). Results indicated that water limitation led to a decrease in the grain yield, photosynthetic pigments, efficiency of photosystem II, and relative water content whereas, increased proline, soluble sugars, and activities of catalase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase. The application of biofertilizers and nanooxides increased the proline, soluble sugars, and enzyme activities. Relative to control plants (without nanooxide), the plants treated with oxide nanoparticles of Zn-Fe had 17% lower electrical conductivity, 27% higher peroxidase activity, and 61% higher polyphenol oxidase under severe water limitation. The application of Azotobacter and nano Zn-Fe oxide caused 88% increase in the grain yield as compared to control under severe water limitation. Our study implies that the combined application of biofertilizer and nano Zn-Fe oxide improved wheat yield under drought stress.