Carbon Nanotechnology-Based Sustainable Solutions for Mitigating Drought Stress in Coffee Plants
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25186/.v20i.2387Abstract
Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) have emerged as promising nanomaterials in agriculture because of their unique physicochemical properties. The present study investigates the impact of CNPs on the growth and physiology of a local coffee variety (Coffea arabica cv. Shadawi Salibi) in Saudi Arabia under drought conditions. Although several studies have examined the effects of drought on this coffee variety, fewer have focused on the impact of carbon nanoparticles, particularly concerning important factors like gas exchange and proline accumulation in coffee plants under drought conditions. Therefore, various doses of carbon nanoparticles Bulk C (0, 5, 15), CNPs(M) (0, 5, 15), and CNPs(F) (0, 5, 15) were tested to determine their potential effects on the growth and development of coffee plants. Treatment with CNPs including Bulk C, CNPs(M), and CNPs(F) at 5 mM and 15 mM significantly improved root and shoot length, as well as fresh and dry biomass, in coffee plants subjected to drought stress. Typically, drought stress severely reduces photosynthetic
pigments (Chl a, Chl b, carotenoids), relative water content, gas exchange (net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance), chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), and antioxidant activities. However, CNPs application notably alleviated these negative effects. Additionally, CNPs treatments reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and proline accumulation, indicators of oxidative and osmotic stress, respectively. These findings suggest that treating coffee plants with CNPs enhances their tolerance to drought stress.
Key words: Chlorophyll; ma londialdehyde; nanotechnology; photosynthesis; stomatal conductance.
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