Nanobionic stimulation of agricultural plants’ productivity (ID 5419)

Sustained increase in leaf photosynthesis may increase crop yield. Due to many limitations, plants use much less photosynthetic capacity than it is theoretically possible. Plant nanobionics is a new field of bioengineering applying nanoparticles on living plants, which improve certain plant functions. Carbon nanoparticles (carbon dots, CDs) have high light harvest capability, which could be used to improve photosynthesis efficiency of plants. This project selectively synthesized non-toxic orange-CD_s (o-CDs), and applied them to boost productivity through an increase of photosynthetic efficiency of maize (Zea mays L.) and green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), by passing absorbed light photons to the photosynthetic system. The o-CDs were sprayed on plant leaves at predetermined time intervals and photosynthesis parameters were measured during plant growth. After harvest, cob/pod and grain yield were measured. To monitor o-CDs’ impact on plant metabolism, total phenolic content and total antioxidant activity were measured in plant leaves during the treatment. This project provides an innovative and inexpensive concept, since o-CDs’ synthesis is simple and non-expensive, it is a water-soluble, organic, non-toxic compound, and application on plants is simple. Thus, it can be applied safely, without any environmental footprint at the end of the season.