Impact of silica nanoparticles on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties from Balochistan grown in saline soils

Finding effective methods to raise salt tolerance of agricultural crops is critical for food security in arid regions. Salinity negatively affects wheat growth, reducing yield and productivity. This study aims to evaluate the impact of silica nanoparticles (Si NPs) on the growth and development of two wheat varieties from Balochistan (Azri and Shalkot) cultivated in saline soil. Seeds of Azri and Shalkot wheat varieties were collected and sown at the Balochistan Agricultural Research and Development Centre (BARDC), Quetta, under normal and saline conditions. The experiment consisted of three treatments: T1 (control) with only Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK) fertilizer; T2 with Si NPs + NPK fertilizer; and T3, where seeds were primed in Si NPs before sowing. For priming, seeds in T3 were soaked separately in water and Si NPs for 24 hours before planting. Germination was monitored for 10 to 15 days, and various growth parameters were assessed at different growth stages, including plant maturity. The wheat variety Shalkot exhibited better growth than Azri under saline stress. Silicon supplementation substantially improved plant height, spike length, chlorophyll content, spike weight, productive stems per unit area, and dry mass weight. Among the treatments, Si NP supplementation (T2) enhanced all growth parameters, while the priming treatment (T3) yielded the best results. The application of silica nanoparticles effectively enhanced wheat growth even under salt stress. This study highlights the potential of Si NPs to mitigate salinity effects and improve wheat yield, making it a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture in salt-affected regions.

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