Nanoceria-induced variations in leaf anatomy and cell wall composition drive the increase in mesophyll conductance of salt-stressed cotton leaves.

Nanomaterials as an emerging tool are being used to improve plant's net photosynthetic rate (A) when suffering salt stress, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To clarify this, a hydroponic experiment was conducted to study the effects of polyacrylic acid coated nanoceria (PNC) on the A of salt-stressed cotton and related intrinsic mechanisms. Results showed that the PNC-induced A enhancement of salt-stressed leaves was strongly facilitated by the mesophyll conductance to CO (g).