Impact of titanium dioxide on growth, yield and biochemical parameters of three eggplant genotypes under heat stress conditions

The present research evaluated the effect of foliar application of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) on growth, yield and physiological parameters of three eggplant genotypes under various heat stress conditions. The experiments were conducted during the 2024 growing season. The treatments for stress conditions included in the horizontal factor, C0: open-field conditions or control, C1: green saran cover and C2: non-woven fabric cover. Three eggplant genotypes, viz. G1: Black Beauty variety, G2: Raheeb F1 hybrid and G3: Aswad F1 hybrid, in each treatment were subjected to three titanium concentrations, i.e. 0, 100 and 200 mg L-1. Research findings revealed that the plants grown under condition (C2) showed the maximum average plant height, dry weight, fruit weight and total yield but minimum average leaf proline, leaf POD and leaf SOD as compared to control plants. The plants grown under control condition (C0) showed minimum average of plant height, dry weight, fruit weight and total yield. Maximum average of leaf proline, leaf POD and leaf SOD were noted in control plants. Of all the three genotypes, G1 exhibited an increase in the plant height, dry weight, total yield and leaf SOD. A significant improvement in plant height, dry weight, leaf antioxidants such as proline and activities of POD and SOD in leaves was noted in plants exposed to Ti concentration at 200 mg L-1. While enhanced fruit weight and total yield were noted in plants exposed to Ti at 100 mg L-1. Further study is required on Ti’s long-term impacts and optimal doses across various environments.