Synthesis and characterization of silica nanoparticles from rice husk and their effects on physiology of rice under salt stress

Silicon (Si) is considered a beneficial element for rice (Oryza sativa L.) The objective of this work was to investigate the effects of Si in the form of nanoparticles on growth and physiology of rice under salt stress. Silica nanoparticles (SNPs) were synthesized from rice husk by sol-gel method. The prepared SNPs powders were agglomerated in semi-spherical nanosized particles with diameters in the range of 60-135 nm. Three rice cultivars namely ???Pokkali???, ???KDML105??? and ???IR29??? were grown for 30 d in plastic pots, and then divided into four groups i.e., control, SNPs, NaCl and NaCl + SNPs. Foliar spray of 120 mg L-1 SNPs was given to the SNPs and NaCl + SNPs groups for 4 d. After that the plants in NaCl and NaCl + SNPs groups were exposed to 150 mM NaCl for 17 d. The salt-stressed plants suffered significant reductions in biomass, net photosynthesis rate (PN), and maximal quantum efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry (Fv/Fm) while three stress indicators (malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide [H2O2] and proline) considerably increased. The SNPs mitigated the adverse effects of salt stress by increasing PN (18% to 116% increase) and lowering H2O2 (8% to 31% reduction) in all cultivars, compared with the values under salt stress, while proline was reduced by 7% in ???KDML105??? and 19% in ???IR29???. The H2O2 content was regulated by the increased activities of antioxidant enzymes, notably catalase, peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase. The application method and concentrations of SNPs used for rice plants under stress should be further optimized for the highest benefit of growth and yield in the field conditions.

Automated summary

Silica nanoparticles have a beneficial effect on the growth and physiology of rice under salt stress. Salt stress adversely affects rice by reducing biomass, net photosynthesis rate, and maximal quantum efficiency of photosystem II, while increasing stress indicators such as malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and proline. Silica nanoparticles mitigate the effects of salt stress by increasing net photosynthesis rate, reducing hydrogen peroxide, and regulating antioxidant enzyme activities. However, further optimization is needed for their application in different rice varieties and field conditions to maximize growth and yield benefits.