Abstract:
This study investigated the effects of foliar appli
cation of normal and nanoparticles of
zinc oxide (ZnO) on the growth, proline content, an
d some antioxidant enzyme activities
of sunflower cultivars at different salinity levels
. Treatments included five cultivars
(
Helianthus annuus
L. cvs. Alstar, Olsion, Yourflor, Hysun36, and Hysu
n33), two salinity
levels (0 and 100 mM NaCl), and three foliar applic
ations
(none-sprayed, ZnO normal
and nanoparticles at a rate of 2 g/L). Olsion showe
d the highest proline content and
superoxide dismutase activity (SOD)
among the studied cultivars under saline condition.
Foliar spray of ZnO improved SOD activity and shoot
dry weight of sunflower.
Nanoparticles of ZnO had positive effect on biomass
production of sunflower plants
compared to the normal form. According to the resul
t, Olsion and Hysun33 cultivars were
suitable for saline conditions, whereas Hysun36 was
appropriate for normal condition.
Keywords
:
Nanoparticles, Superoxide dismutase,
Helianthus annuus
, Proline
