The Activity of Catalase and Superoxide Dismutase under the Influence of Fe and Zn Oxide Nanoparticles in Wheat Sprouts

This study examined the effects of ferric oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) at various concentrations on the activity of antioxidant system enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) in the sprouts of durum and soft wheat varieties. The research objects included durum wheat varieties (Triticum durum Desf.) Gyrmyzy Bugda, Garagylchyg-2, Yagut, and Karabakh, as well as soft wheat varieties (Triticum aestivum L.) Mirbashir-128, Gobustan, Sheki-1, and Dagdash. To determine the optimal concentrations of nanoparticles influencing the activity of antioxidant enzymes in different wheat varieties, molar concentrations of zinc oxide NPs (0,1 mM, 0,01 mM, and 0,001 mM) and mass concentrations of ferric oxide NPs (15 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg of soil) were applied. The highest catalase activity was observed at a zinc oxide NP concentration of 0,01 mM for both durum and soft wheat varieties. For ferric oxide NPs, the optimal concentration was found to be 30 mg/kg for durum wheat varieties and 15 mg/kg for soft wheat varieties. Thus, ferric oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles show potential for use as pre-sowing seed treatments for various durum and soft wheat varieties. However, determining the optimal NP concentrations for the specific crops being studied is a critical requirement for their effective application.