The application of green methods in the synthesis of nanoparticles using plants is a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach. Zinc oxide nanoparticles are of great importance due to their versatile properties. The conditions of synthesis strongly influence the characteristics and functionality of the nanoparticles. The present work studied the biological, green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) in the presence of different concentrations of ethanolic extract of Larrea tridentata (10, 20, and 30 mg/mL). The time of the formation of nanoparticles was evaluated at different temperatures and pH values of the reaction medium. The formation of ZnONPs was confirmed by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies (FT-IR), as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction analysis (XDR) determined the crystallographic structure of the nanoparticles. Obtained ZnONPs had a size range of 18 to 40 nm. The temperature, reaction time, and pH significantly influenced the nanoparticles’ morphology, size, and aggregation. The impact of chosen ZnONPs was tested on the germination of serrano chili seeds (Capsicum annuum). At 100 ppm, the nanoparticles improved germination percentage, vigor, and seedlings’ growth parameters.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles have gained attention in the last decades due to their versatile applications; in agriculture, they have been used for their multiple benefits. In this study, the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles, obtained via chemical and biological synthesis and of 70–80 nm in size, on the germination and seedling growth of Capsicum annuum and Solanum lycopersicum seed were determined. The physiological parameters, photosynthetic pigments, the content of total phenols, total flavonoids, as well as the antioxidant capacity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and the enzymatic activity of catalase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase were evaluated. The results indicated that treatment with zinc oxide nanoparticles obtained via green synthesis improved seed germination rate, while chemically synthesized nanoparticles at higher concentrations decreased germination percentage. In general, the parameters of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in treated plants showed significant differences with respect to the control. However, the treatments with the bionanoparticles resulted in more beneficial parameters. Zinc oxide nanoparticles obtained via green synthesis are more effective in generating bioactive compounds and activating the enzyme defense system due to being more biocompatible.

Biofortification is the process of developing a crop with bioavailable micronutrients in its edible parts. This has been done using nanofertilizers, since they can be used to feed plants in a gradual and controlled manner. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of ZnO NPs in different concentrations on the commercial and phytochemical quality of the basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) crop, as it is one of the most important aromatic plants used for chemical and pharmacological properties. Four concentrations of ZnO NPs (5, 10, 15 and 20 mg L^-1) and a control treatment under a completely randomized design, were evaluated. The results show statistical differences in morphological parameters (leaf and stem fresh weight, height, number of leaves, leaf area and dry weight) with a slight tendency to increase on the treated basil plants mainly at concentration of 20 mg L^-1. The highest chlorophyll content (5.54 µg g^-1 FW) was obtained for the control treatment, whereas the lowest one (4.14 µg g^-1 FW) was observed for the 20 mg L^-1 treatment. However, carotenoid content in the leaves was markedly higher than the control, the control had the concentration of 0.84 µg g^-1 FW, while the treatment with 20 mg L^-1 ZnO NPs registered a value of 1.08 µg g^-1 FW. The highest total phenolic, flavonoid, antioxidant capacity and vitamin C content was obtained for 20 mg L^-1 ZnO NPs. Finally, basil plants treated with ZnO NPs could stimulate enzymatic activity, as demonstrated in this study. Detailed studies are suggested to understand the mechanism of action of nanoscale materials.

Objective: To examine how priming radish (Raphanus sativus L.) sprouts with zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs-ZnO) affects their germination, photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds, and zinc content. Design/methodology/approach: We evaluated five NPs-ZnO treatments and a control sample with four replications under a completely randomized design. Results: Sprouts treated with NPs-ZnO showed increased germination variables, photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds, and zinc content as compared to untreated radish sprouts. Study limitations/implications: It is hard to establish a response model for the effects of NPs since their shape, size, surface charge, chemical composition, and concentration may have a differentiated impact on seed germination. Findings/conclusions: Using NPs-ZnO could be an effective way to enrich crops, since the passage of Zn through plant tissues will cause an accumulation of this micronutrient.

Background: Chili peppers in Mexico are one of the most important crops from the cultural, agronomic, nutritional and economic points of view. Objective: To evaluate the effects of biofertilization on agronomic and quality variables of jalapeño peppers. Methodology: During the spring-summer 2023 cycle in the experimental field of the Polytechnic University of the Laguna Region, the following treatments were applied in a genotype of hybrid jalapeño pepper Orizaba F1 in the open field: T1: Chemical fertilization (160-80-00), T2: Phytohormones Cytokinins (3000 ppm), gibberellins (35 ppm), auxins (35 ppm) at a dose of 1 L/ha, T3: Growth-promoting bacteria (PCBs) (Bacillus subtillis: 1x1010 CFU, Azospirillum brasilense, Azotobacter vinelandii, Pseudomonas fluorescens: 1x108 CFU), T4: Growth-promoting bacteria (PCBs) (Bacillus subtillis: 1x1010 CFU, Azospirillum brasilense, Azotobacter vinelandii, Pseudomonas fluorescens: 1x108 CFU) + Chemical fertilization (80-40-00), T5: chemical fertilization (80-40-00). Results: Significant differences were detected in the variables diameter and length of fruits, so that the application of bacteria plus chemical fertilization (T4) was statistically higher with 32.10 and 79.67 cm respectively. The application of T3 showed capacity to increase flavonoids and vitamin C with a mean of 935.20 mgEAG 100 g-1 and 123.20 mg 100 g-1. In capsaicin content, T3 showed potential for the increase of this compound with 250.40 mg mL-1. Implications: The study shows some results that can be used as a possible solution for the reduction of some chemical fertilizers in the cultivation of jalapeño peppers through the application of beneficial microorganisms. Conclusion: PCBs improve the growth and quality of jalapeño pepper fruits by increasing the content of flavonoids, vitamin C, capsaicin as well as the diameter and length of fruits, which may be associated with a biostimulant effect on the crop.

Background: Water scarcity and food insecurity in arid regions such as the Comarca Lagunera demand sustainable production models. Aquaponics, integrating fish and plants in a closed-loop system, emerges as a viable alternative to optimize resources and strengthen food self-sufficiency in rural areas. Objective: To evaluate the productive performance, water efficiency, and technical and economic feasibility of a low-cost aquaponic system combining tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) under semi-arid conditions. Methods: Three production systems were compared under semi-controlled conditions for 18 weeks: aquaponics (fish and plants), aquaculture (fish only), and hydroponics (plants only). Growth performance, water consumption, nutrient recycling, and operating costs were analyzed. Results: The aquaponic system increased final tilapia weight by 22.3%, lettuce root development by 28%, and reduced water use by 30% compared to hydroponics, while achieving 89.3% nitrate absorption and 38.5% lower operating costs. Implications: The results demonstrate that aquaponics can improve water-use efficiency, reduce the use of fertilizers and plastics, and promote circular economy models applicable in rural communities with limited resources. Conclusions: Aquaponics is a technically and economically feasible alternative for semi-arid regions, integrating water efficiency, nutrient recycling, and sustainable food production, contributing to food security and local resilience.