Nanoparticle applications have recently become a popular method due to increase the tolerance levels of plants to environmental stresses. In this study, changes induced by exogenous application of green synthesized and commercially purchased zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) (100, 500, 1000 mg/L) to drought-stressed Capsicum annuum plants were studied through comprehensive morphologic, anatomic, physiological and biochemical analyzes. While drought decreased relative water content (RWC) and leaf water potential (LWP), it increased proline, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content and antioxidant enzyme activities. Exogenous ZnO NPs increased RWC and LWP but they decreased TBARS and proline contents in drought-stressed plants. Furthermore, the data obtained in this study revealed that the response of the antioxidant enzyme varies depending on the concentration of the nanoparticles and the type of synthesis. However, green synthesized ZnO NPs applications (100 and 500 mg/L) were found to be much more effective in reducing the adverse effects of drought stress than those synthesized chemically. The results of this study indicated that although the response of Capsicum annuum plants to ZnO NPs applications varied according to the type and concentration under drought conditions, nanoparticle applications did not lead to a consistent stress response.

The need for foodstuff that emerged with the rapidly increasing world population made fertilizers and pesticides inevitable to obtain maximum efficiency from existing agricultural areas. Sulfoxaflor is currently the only member of the new sulfoximine insecticide subclass of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists. In the study, it was aimed to determine the in vitro genetic, oxidative damage potential, genotoxic and apoptotic effects of three different concentrations (10 µg/mL, 20 µg/mL and 40 µg/mL) of sulfoxaflor insecticide in the cultures of blood lymphocytes. In this study, the single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet), Cytokinesis Block Micronuclues Test (MN test), flow cytometry and measurement of Catalase (CAT) enzyme activity were used to determine genotoxic, apoptotic effects and oxidative damage potential, respectively. It found that there is a decrease in CPBI values and Live cell numbers. It was observed an increase in late apoptotic and necrotic cell numbers, Micronucleus frequency, and Comet analysis parameters (GDI and DCP). There is a significant difference between negative control and all concentration of insecticide for Cytokinesis Block Proliferation Index (CBPI) values and late apoptotic, necrotic and viable cell counts. An increase in CAT enzyme levels was observed at 10 and 20 µg/mL concentrations compared to control., It is found that CAT enzyme activity was inhibited at concentrations of 40 µg/mL. This study is crucial as it is the first study to investigate the impact of Sulfoxaflor insecticide on peripheral blood lymphocyte cells. The genotoxic, oxidative damage, and apoptotic effects of Sulfoxafluor insecticide on the results obtained and its adverse effects on other organisms raise concerns about health and safety.