Redox and physiological responses of wheat to wheat streak mosaic virus under liposomal bionanocomposite seed treatment

dynamics compared to infected untreated plants. In virus-infected plants, it enhanced SOD and PAL activities, stabilized CAT responses, reduced ethylene overproduction, and partially restored chlorophyll content and photosynthetic performance. These results indicate that BNC-induced activation of antioxidant and stress-protective mechanisms improves the physiological resilience of wheat during WSMV infection and supports the potential of this biotechnological approach as a component of integrated crop protection against viral diseases. KEY POINTS: • BNC stimulates antioxidant enzymes and modulates wheat redox homeostasis. • Eco-friendly BNC offers a sustainable strategy for managing viral diseases. • BNC induces systemic, pre-adaptive metabolic adjustments.