Influence of different metal-organic frameworks on agronomic traits of faba bean plants

Resumo

Deficiências de micronutrientes no solo podem prejudicar significativamente o crescimento das plantas e reduzir a produção das culturas; por isso, a aplicação foliar desses micronutrientes torna-se eficaz. Embora as redes metalorgânicas (MOFs) sejam frequentemente usadas em armazenamento de gases, adsorção e catálise, sua aplicação na agricultura tem sido bastante incomum. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar como os parâmetros de crescimento de plantas de fava (Vicia faba L.) foram afetados por MOFs de níquel (Ni²⁺), cromo (Cr³⁺), cobalto (Co²⁺) e cobre (Cu²⁺). Por meio de análises espectroscópicas, foram caracterizadas as redes Ni-BTC, Cr-BTC, Co-BTC e Cu-BTC. Foram medidos os efeitos dessas redes sobre os índices fisiológicos de estresse, os teores foliares de clorofila e de compostos fenólicos, as massas fresca e seca de raízes e parte aérea e os comprimentos de parte aérea e raiz das plantas de fava. De acordo com os resultados, o Cu-BTC melhorou o crescimento e o desenvolvimento das plantas, com aumento de 37,79% na massa fresca e de 40,42% na massa seca da parte aérea. Além disso, houve aumento de 62,96% na massa fresca e de 75,0% na massa seca das raízes. O diâmetro do caule aumentou 31,5% e a área foliar, 46,22%. Houve melhora no teor de pigmentos, com aumento de 1,91 vez nos carotenoides, de 1,59 vez na clorofila a e de 2,07 vezes na clorofila b. Por outro lado, o Cr-BTC teve impacto negativo sobre o crescimento das plantas; os níveis de malondialdeído (MDA) e de H2O2 aumentaram 4,54% e 14,21%, respectivamente, em relação ao controle. Embora os micronutrientes sejam essenciais ao crescimento e ao desenvolvimento das plantas, elas os exigem em pequenas quantidades. As MOFs fornecerão esses micronutrientes às plantas de forma controlada e eficiente, podendo aumentar a absorção de nutrientes e reduzir o impacto ambiental ao minimizar a lixiviação e a poluição por nutrientes.

Abstract

Micronutrient deficiencies in soil can significantly hinder plant growth and reduce crop production; therefore, foliar application of these micronutrients to plants becomes effective. Although metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are frequently used in gas storage, adsorption, and catalysis, their application in agriculture has been rather uncommon. The purpose of this study was to ascertain how the growth parameters of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) plants were affected by nickel (Ni²⁺), chromium (Cr³⁺), cobalt (Co²⁺), and copper (Cu²⁺) MOFs. Using spectroscopic analysis, frameworks for Ni-BTC, Cr-BTC, Co-BTC, and Cu-BTC were described. These frameworks’ effects on the faba plants’ physiological stress indices, leaf chlorophyll and phenolic contents, fresh and dry weight of the roots and shoots, and shoot and root length were measured. According to our findings, Cu-BTC improved plant growth and development, resulting in a 37.79% increase in fresh shoot weight and a 40.42% increase in dry weight. Additionally, there was a 62.96% rise in the fresh weight of roots and a 75.0% increase in the dry weight of roots. The diameter of the stem was increased by 31.5% and the leaf surface area increased by 46.22%. There was an improvement in the amount of pigments, with carotenoids growing 1.91 times, chlorophyll a an increasing 1.59 times, and chlorophyll b increasing 2.07 times. On the other hand, Cr-BTC showed a negative impact on the growth of the plant; malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 levels were raised by 4.54% and 14.21%, respectively, compared to the control. Although micronutrients are essential for plant growth and development, plants need them in small quantities. MOFs will deliver these micronutrients to plants in a controlled and efficient manner. MOFs can enhance nutrient uptake and reduce environmental impact by minimizing nutrient leaching and pollution.