Silicon dioxide nanoparticles a strategy to improve the growth, physiology, yield, and nutraceutical quality of tomatoes

The application of nanotechnology in horticultural crops optimizes physiological performance, growth, nutraceutical quality, and resistance to adverse environmental factors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of silica dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) on tomato crops in greenhouses. Three doses were used (25 mg L-1, 35 mg L-1, and 45 mg L-1) along with a control. A randomized block experimental design with three replications was used. The variables analyzed included physiological, morphological, yield, and nutraceutical quality aspects. It was observed that plant height was higher with 45 mg L-1 of SiO2 NPs, while 25 mg L-1 of SiO2 NPs showed the highest values for stem diameter, root length and yield. The dose of 25 mg L-1 of SiO2 NPs caused higher chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, water use efficiency, and leaf water status. Regarding nutraceutical quality (soluble solids, vitamin C, total phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and antioxidant capacity), the best results were obtained with 35 mg L-1 of SiO2 NPs. These findings suggest that SiO2 NPs at concentrations of 25 and 35 mg L-1 improve the tomatoes’ physiological traits, growth, yield, and nutraceutical quality, which is relevant for agricultural production and the promotion of healthy diets.