Coated Hematite Nanoparticles Alleviate Iron Deficiency in Cucumber in Acidic Nutrient Solution and as Foliar Spray.

Micronutrient iron (Fe) deficiency poses a widespread agricultural challenge with global implications. Fe deficiency affects plant growth and immune function, leading to reduced yields and contributing to the global "hidden hunger." While conventional Fe-based fertilizers are available, their efficacy is limited under certain conditions.

Apoplast utilisation of nanohaematite initiates parallel suppression of RIBA1 and FRO1&3 in Cucumis sativus.

Nanoscale Fe containing particles can penetrate the root apoplast. Nevertheless, cell wall size exclusion questions that for Fe mobilisation, a close contact between the membrane integrating FERRIC REDUCTASE OXIDASE (FRO) enzymes and Fe containing particles is required. Haematite nanoparticle suspension, size of 10-20 nm, characterized by Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, TEM, ICP and SAED was subjected to Fe utilisation by the flavin secreting model plant cucumber (Cucumis sativus).