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Purpose <p>Despite chitosan’s known growth-promoting and stress-alleviating effects, research on its nanoparticle form (CSNPs) and specific role in maize drought tolerance remains scarce. This study examined whether foliar-applied CSNPs enhance drought resilience in maize by improving physiological, biochemical, and morphological traits, and identified the optimal concentration for mitigating drought-induced stress.</p> Method <p>Maize plants were subjected to controlled drought conditions (40% field capacity) and treated with foliar-applied CSNPs at 0, 25, 50, and 75&#xa0;mg L⁻¹ to assess their effects on growth, photosynthetic pigments, and antioxidant responses.</p> Results <p>The results demonstrated that drought stress significantly reduced shoot and root growth, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activities while increasing oxidative damage. Application of CSNPs mitigated these adverse effects in a concentration-dependent manner, with 50&#xa0;mg L⁻¹ treatment showing the most pronounced benefits. Specifically, 50&#xa0;mg L⁻¹ CSNP increased shoot biomass by 28%, root length by 22%, and chlorophyll content by 35% compared to untreated drought-stressed plants. Similarly, antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase, exhibited up to 45% higher activity following CSNP treatment, reflecting enhanced reactive oxygen species scavenging capacity. Potassium ion uptake improved by 18%, and soluble protein content increased by 30%, supporting osmotic adjustment and cellular protection under drought.</p> Conclusion <p>CSNPs significantly enhanced maize drought tolerance by improving morphology, biochemistry, and antioxidant defense. As results stem from controlled pot experiments, field trials and optimization of CSNP dosage and timing are recommended for sustainable use in drought-prone systems. Overall, CSNPs present a promising, eco-friendly approach to strengthen maize resilience under water-limited conditions.</p>

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Efficacy of Foliar-applied Chitosan Nanoparticles in Enhancing Drought Tolerance of Maize (Zea Mays L.) Through Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Modulation

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月8日

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  • Ayesha Rukhsar,
  • Rana Muhammad Waqas,
  • Sarfraz Ahmed,
  • Nian Lili,
  • Momal Munir,
  • Abdul Razzaq,
  • Muhammad Arslan Asghar,
  • Muhammad Iqbal

摘要

Purpose

Despite chitosan’s known growth-promoting and stress-alleviating effects, research on its nanoparticle form (CSNPs) and specific role in maize drought tolerance remains scarce. This study examined whether foliar-applied CSNPs enhance drought resilience in maize by improving physiological, biochemical, and morphological traits, and identified the optimal concentration for mitigating drought-induced stress.

Method

Maize plants were subjected to controlled drought conditions (40% field capacity) and treated with foliar-applied CSNPs at 0, 25, 50, and 75 mg L⁻¹ to assess their effects on growth, photosynthetic pigments, and antioxidant responses.

Results

The results demonstrated that drought stress significantly reduced shoot and root growth, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activities while increasing oxidative damage. Application of CSNPs mitigated these adverse effects in a concentration-dependent manner, with 50 mg L⁻¹ treatment showing the most pronounced benefits. Specifically, 50 mg L⁻¹ CSNP increased shoot biomass by 28%, root length by 22%, and chlorophyll content by 35% compared to untreated drought-stressed plants. Similarly, antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase, exhibited up to 45% higher activity following CSNP treatment, reflecting enhanced reactive oxygen species scavenging capacity. Potassium ion uptake improved by 18%, and soluble protein content increased by 30%, supporting osmotic adjustment and cellular protection under drought.

Conclusion

CSNPs significantly enhanced maize drought tolerance by improving morphology, biochemistry, and antioxidant defense. As results stem from controlled pot experiments, field trials and optimization of CSNP dosage and timing are recommended for sustainable use in drought-prone systems. Overall, CSNPs present a promising, eco-friendly approach to strengthen maize resilience under water-limited conditions.