Evaluation Uptake and Translocation of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Its Effect on Photosynthetic Pigmentation of Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) ‘Salvador’

Recently, the use of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONS) as a new and promising source of iron in agriculture has been suggested that further investigation is needed before extensive field use. In a greenhouse experiment, the effect of coated magnetite nanoparticles with humic acid (Fe3O4/HA NPs) was investigated on iron deficiency chlorosis and photosynthesis efficiency compared to iron chelates of Fe-EDTA (Fe-Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and Fe-EDDHA [Fe-Ethylene diamine-di (o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid)] as control treatments in chrysanthemum cut flower (Chrysanthemum morifolium) in the open hydroponic cultivation system. The feasibility of absorption and translocation of nanoparticles in the plant was evaluated by vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The results of tracing by magnetization measurement was demonstrated that NPs penetrated in root and transferred to the aerial parts of chrysanthemum. The greenhouse experiment demonstrated that the application 20 mg/L Fe3O4/HA NPs in nutrient solution significantly (P<0.001) increased the content of chlorophylls a, b, total and carotenoids in the leaf 14.80, 12.15, 13.90 and 13.98 percent as compared with Fe-EDTA, respectively, but did not with Fe-EDDHA. The equivalent ratio of chlorophyll a/b in all concentrations of nanoparticles with Fe-EDTA and Fe-EDDHA treatments, as traditional sources of iron in growth medium, demonstrated no significant difference in photosynthesis efficiency. Generally, Fe3O4/HA NPs transferred to plant aerial parts, increased the variety of photosynthetic pigments and obviated iron chlorosis.