A ZnO/SiO2/GO nanocomposite improves salinity tolerance in quinoa seedlings
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25081/jpsp.2026.v12.9887Keywords:
Enzymes, Ion imbalance, Oxidative stress, Photosynthesis, Salinity protectantAbstract
This study aimed to synthesize a zinc oxide/silicon dioxide/graphene oxide (ZnO/SiO2/GO) nanocomposite and evaluate its potential role in alleviating salinity-induced stress in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa). The synthesized nanocomposite exhibited a characteristic absorption peak at 354 nm, a positive surface charge (+34.28±4.1 mV), and spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of 44.57 nm uniformly distributed on graphene oxide sheets. Quinoa seeds were primed with 40 mg L⁻¹ ZnO/SiO2/GO for 6 h and cultivated under controlled conditions. Salinity stress was imposed 10 days after sowing using NaCl at 200, 400, and 500 mM for 21 days. Elevated salinity markedly reduced growth attributes, photosynthetic pigments, protein content, insoluble and total sugars, K⁺ content, the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio, and antioxidant capacity, while increasing Na⁺ accumulation, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In contrast, ZnO/SiO2/GO seed priming significantly enhanced plant growth and alleviated salinity-induced reductions in pigments, proteins, sugars, K⁺, and antioxidants, while suppressing excessive accumulation of Na⁺, MDA, and H2O2, restoring values close to those of unstressed controls. These findings demonstrate the severe physiological impacts of high salinity on quinoa and highlight the ZnO/SiO2/GO nanocomposite as an efficient and safe priming agent capable of improving quinoa tolerance to salinity stress. This work provides a foundation for future investigations into nanocomposite–plant interactions and the regulation of complex salt tolerance mechanisms.
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