In vitro genotype-specific responses of tomato to ZnO nanoparticles: Impacts on growth and nutrient uptake
Zhana Ivanova
, Veneta Stoeva
, Katya Vasileva
, Stanislava Grozeva
, Ivanka Tringovska
Abstract: The urgent need for sustainable and efficient methods to enhance plant resistance to abiotic stresses, along with the growing demand for high-quality, nutrient-rich food, has intensified the search for innovative agronomic solutions. One of the most actively researched approaches involves the use of nanoparticles, which, due to their small size and enhanced absorpion, have a potential to improve plant physiological processes.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) on growth and micronutrient accumulation in two Bulgarian tomato varieties (Ideal and Rozovo sartse) grown in vitro. Plants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, supplemented with 18 nm ZnO NPs at four concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 mg/L). The results demonstrated a clear genotype-dependent response to nanoparticle exposure. While the Ideal variety showed limited growth improvement and no significant increase in microelement content, Rozovo sartse exhibited enhancements in both growth and nutrient accumulation, particularly at the highest concentration of 2.5 mg/L.
The highest accumulation of Zn, Fe, and B in both roots and shoots of Rozovo sartse occurred at 2.5 mg/L, with Zn levels in shoots reaching 249.9 ppm, which is more than twice the control. In contrast, Cu levels decreased in both genotypes, likely due to competitive uptake with Zn. Manganese levels were not significantly affected. Biometric indicators such as plant height, root length, fresh weight of shoot and roots, and number of roots were also significantly improved in Rozovo sartse, suggesting that ZnO NPs can be a potential tool for plant growth stimulation.
These findings highlight the importance of genotype selection when applying nanomaterials in plant biotechnology and support the use of ZnO NPs as a promising strategy for enhancing micronutrient content and growth in responsive tomato genotypes.
Keywords: microelements; NPs; Solanum lycopersicum L.; zinc
Citation: Ivanova, Zh., Stoeva, V., Vasileva, K., Grozeva, S. & Tringovska, I. (2025). In vitro genotype-specific responses of tomato to ZnO nanoparticles: Impacts on growth and nutrient uptake. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 31(6), 1171–1178
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| Date published: 2025-12-16
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