Biochemical attributes Portulaca oleracea as affected by manganese oxide and magnesium oxide nanoparticles

Due to the limitation of freshwater resources and quality loss of soils, the use of halophyte plants is inevitable. Halophyte species such as purslane (Portulaca oleracea) are one of the important and rich sources of different metabolites, however, very few studies have been done in this regard. The application of metal nanoparticles in improving plant growth characteristics and also knowing the threshold of using these nanoparticles can lead to plant growth and development. Therefore, the present study is aimed at investigating the effect of manganese oxide (Mn2O3) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles (NPs) on biochemical attributes and plant growth of purslane in a controlled condition based on a balanced completely random design. The treatments included Mg and Mn nanoparticles in three concentrations: 10, 100, and 500 mg L-1, bulk metal Mg and Mn in three concentrations of 10, 100, and 500 mg L-1, and a control treatment. The results showed that nano treatments had a significant effect on the concentration of phenol, flavonoid, anthocyanin, quercetin, half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), total fresh weight, and total dry weight. Except for quercetin, the results indicated a positive effect of Mg and Mn, especially in the form of nanoparticles, on the quality and quantity of purslane plants. Increasing the concentration of Mg and Mn metals in nanoparticle form did not increase IC50, however, it was associated with an increase in this index in bulk form, which indicates a decrease in the negative effect of metals in nanoparticle form. Considering the salinization of water and soil resources and the importance of preventing environmental pollution, the use of Mg and Mn nanoparticles on halophyte species is very important; which requires more research.