Effect of pre-sowing treatment with silver and copper nanoparticles on the lectin dependent adaptive reactions of Triticum aestivum (Poaceae) to the eyespot causal agent Oculimacula yallundae (Helotiales, Ascomycota)

Morphometric parameters and lectin activity of seedlings of soft winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) inoculated with conidial suspension of Oculimacula yallundae, an eyespot causal agent, were studied under conditions of pre-sowing treat­ment with silver and copper nanoparticles. The study revealed that the seed treatment of two wheat cultivars of different resistance (a susceptible 'Myronivska 808' and a relatively resistant 'Renan') affects the seedling growth of both cultivars as well as protein content and lectin activity of various cellular fractions. It has been found that the lectin activity of cell wall fractions and cell organelles in wheat seedlings at the infection and pre-sowing treatment is higher than in uninfected seedlings. The dynamics of lectin activity of various cell fractions during infection differed. The reaction-response effect was more pronounced in seedlings of the 'Renan' cultivar relatively resistant to the pathogen. Pre-sowing treatment with Ag and Cu nanoparticles induced lectin-dependent defense responses in wheat seedlings of both studied cultivars. The obtained results hold potential for further research and use of metal nanoparticles for plant protection against biotic and abiotic factors.