Carbon nanoparticles promote Amazonian seedlings growth: Total leaf mass and potential plant photosynthesis increased in forestry species

Natural solutions involving carbon nanoparticles (CNP) are promising nanotechnologies for increasing forestry plantations, with potential effects on tree propagation and production supply chains. The combined use of species selection, silvicultural practices, and nanotechnology may improve plantation performance in the Amazon. However, effective forest management requires a thorough understanding of plant physiological strategies and demands, and robust indices to assess productivity. In the present study, we investigated the responses of Amazonian tree species to CNP application by focusing on their effects on gas exchange, growth, and biomass accumulation. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using Bertholletia excelsa , Carapa vasquezii , and Hevea brasiliensis seedlings. The A-CNP treatment registered a greater leaves number and mass, resulting in improved potential productivity. The limited sample size ( n = 3) impulses for large-scale experiments. Acquisitive species H . brasiliensis had improved growth, stomata density, and leaf nitrogen content. Plastic species B . excelsa demonstrated higher growth, specific leaf area, and assimilation rates. In contrast, in the conservative species C. vasquezii , the light absorption capacity increased in response to CNP treatment, with higher leaf number and pigments content. Therefore, A-CNP treatment enhanced leaf biomass allocation in both Amazonian fast- and slow-growing species, representing a 37, 28, and 60% increase in leaf dry mass of B. excelsa , C. vasquezii , and H. brasiliensis , respectively. These findings indicate that CNPs are promising agents to drive the seedlings supply chain and land restoration initiatives across the Amazon region. • Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) increase leaf dry mass in Amazonian trees. • CNPs stimulate seedlings growth and potential photosynthesis in Amazonian species. • Plastic, fast- and slow-growth Amazonian trees are affected by CNP.