Enhancing maize growth through zinc oxide nanoparticles: a sustainable approach to improving plant health and productivity

Maize is a vital cereal crop contributing to global food security, yet its productivity is often constrained by micronutrient deficiencies, especially zinc. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have emerged as an innovative and sustainable solution to overcome such challenges by improving nutrient availability, plant metabolism, and stress tolerance. This study investigated the effect of ZnO-NPs on maize growth, physiology, and yield attributes under controlled conditions. Maize plants were treated with different concentrations of ZnO-NPs (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/L), and their performance was assessed based on germination, morphological parameters, chlorophyll content, antioxidant activity, and grain yield. Results demonstrated that ZnO-NPs at moderate concentrations significantly enhanced maize growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and stress resilience, leading to improved productivity. However, excessive concentrations negatively impacted plant health, indicating the importance of dose optimization. These findings highlight the potential of ZnO-NPs as a sustainable nanofertilizer for improving maize productivity and food security.