A comparison between the function of Serendipita indica and Sinorhizobium meliloti in modulating the toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.).

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are among the most commonly used nano-fertilizers (NF). However, elevated levels of ZnO-NPs in soil may affect plant growth and development due to its potential toxicity when accumulated in large amounts in plant tissues. This research was conducted using an in situ rhizobox system with the aims of evaluating zinc uptake from nano-zinc oxide amended rhizosphere soil by alfalfa plant and the effect of plant growth-promoting microorganisms on alleviating the phytotoxicity of ZnO-NPs.