Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Agricultural Education and Natural Resources Research Center of Ilam, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Ilam, Iran
2
2. Associate Professor, Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Ilam Province, Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO), Ilam, Iran
3
Assistant Professor, Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Ilam Province, Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO), Ilam, Iran
4
Assistant Professor, Ilam Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Ilam, Iran
5
1Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, P.O.Box 55136-553, Maragheh
10.22034/plant.2024.142398.1132
Abstract
The application of biochar and magnesium oxide nanoparticles has emerged as a promising strategy to mitigate the negative impacts of salinity stress and enhance plant performance. However, there is a paucity of research investigating the synergistic effects of these two amendments. This study aimed to evaluate the individual and combined effects of biochar and magnesium oxide nanoparticles on the biochemical characteristics, seed yield, and oil quality of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) under salinity stress. The experimental design comprised three salinity levels (0, 50, and 100 mM sodium chloride) and four nutrient treatments (control, biochar, magnesium oxide nanoparticles, and a combination of biochar and magnesium oxide nanoparticles). The results indicated that salinity stress significantly diminished plant height, seed yield, oil content, and oil quality. Conversely, the combined application of biochar and magnesium oxide nanoparticles under moderate salinity conditions (50 mM) resulted in substantial increases in phenolic (109.7%) and flavonoid (123.9%) content, alongside enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (130.4%), guaiacol peroxidase (116.3%), and peroxidase (648%) compared to the control group. Consequently, this treatment markedly alleviated oxidative stress, as evidenced by significant reductions in malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels. Furthermore, the highest seed yield and oil yield were achieved under non-stress conditions with the combined application of biochar and magnesium oxide nanoparticles, exhibiting increases of 101.3% and 196.5%, respectively, relative to severe stress conditions. Additionally, this treatment improved linoleic and linolenic acid content by 74.2% and 93.5%, respectively, under non-stress conditions compared to severe stress, significantly enhancing oil quality.
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