Zinc oxide nanoparticles alleviate chromium stress in two spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) varieties through physiological and biochemical responses

Authors

  • Muhammad Amir Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Faisalabad (38050), Punjab, Pakistan
  • Fatima Anjum Government College University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
  • Mehfooz ul Haq Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Faisalabad (38050), Punjab, Pakistan
  • Faria Shahid Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Faisalabad (38050), Punjab, Pakistan
  • Samina Tanvir Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Faisalabad (38050), Punjab, Pakistan
  • Yaqoob Sultan Department of Grass Breeding, Institute of Agriculture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, 58344 Kedainiu, Lithuania
  • Warda Javed Government College University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25081/jpsp.2026.v12.9752

Keywords:

Antioxidant defense, Chromium stress, Physiological responses, Spinacia oleracea L., Zinc oxide nanoparticles

Abstract

Chromium (Cr) toxicity can impair growth, photosynthetic pigments and cellular redox balance in leafy vegetables, while the efficacy of foliar zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) under Cr stress remains insufficiently characterized in spinach. Therefore, two spinach varieties, Desi palak and Lahori palak, were evaluated under two Cr stress levels (50 and 100 mM) with foliar ZnO-NP applications of 300 and 600 ppm. Plants were grown under controlled greenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design using 54 pots and were assessed for biomass and root/shoot growth, chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids, total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a/b ratio, total soluble protein, H2O2, MDA, and antioxidant enzymes including SOD, POD and CAT. Cr stress reduced biomass and photosynthetic pigment contents, whereas ZnO-NP application improved most growth and pigment responses relative to the corresponding Cr-stressed plants. The biochemical responses also varied with Cr level and ZnO-NP treatment, indicating changes in oxidative stress and antioxidant defense. Overall, foliar ZnO-NPs, particularly 600 ppm within the tested range, improved several measured physiological and biochemical attributes under Cr stress. Because plant-tissue Cr concentration was not quantified in the available experimental record, the present study does not claim Cr immobilization or reduced Cr uptake.

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References

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Published

21-10-2026

How to Cite

Amir, M., F. Anjum, M. ul Haq, F. Shahid, S. Tanvir, Y. Sultan, and W. Javed. “Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Alleviate Chromium Stress in Two Spinach (Spinacia Oleracea L.) Varieties through Physiological and Biochemical Responses”. Journal of Plant Stress Physiology, vol. 12, Oct. 2026, pp. 69-76, doi:10.25081/jpsp.2026.v12.9752.

Issue

Volume 12, 2026

Section

Articles

Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Plant Stress Physiology

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