Cinnamic Acid Nanocomposites Help Peppermint Thrive in Salty Conditions

Greg Howard
4th July, 2024

Cinnamic Acid Nanocomposites Help Peppermint Thrive in Salty Conditions

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study from the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili found that cinnamic acid (CA) and its nanocomposite (CMC-CA NC) can help peppermint plants tolerate salt stress
  • CA and CMC-CA NC treatments significantly reduced stress markers like malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide in peppermint plants
  • The treatments improved photosynthetic efficiency and osmotic balance, increasing chlorophyll fluorescence and proline content
Salinity stress is a significant challenge in agriculture, adversely affecting plant growth and productivity. One of the most promising solutions to this problem involves the use of nanotechnology. Recent research from the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili has explored the role of cinnamic acid (CA) and a cinnamic acid nanocomposite (CMC-CA NC) in enhancing salt tolerance in peppermint plants[1]. Peppermint, a widely used aromatic plant, is highly sensitive to salt stress, which can lead to decreased growth and productivity. The study investigated various physiological and biochemical parameters to understand how CA and CMC-CA NC can mitigate the adverse effects of salinity. The researchers applied different concentrations of salt (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg/L) to peppermint plants along with 50 μM CA and 50 μM CMC-CA NC treatments. The findings revealed that salt stress increased stress markers such as malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide in peppermint plants. However, the application of CA and CMC-CA NC significantly reduced these stress markers by 11.3% and 70.4%, respectively. This reduction in stress markers indicates a lower level of oxidative stress in the plants, which is crucial for maintaining cellular integrity and function under salinity. Moreover, the study found that CA and CMC-CA NC treatments improved physiological and photosynthetic parameters that were otherwise negatively affected by salinity. For instance, chlorophyll fluorescence and proline content increased by 1.1% and 172.1%, respectively, compared to the control. These improvements suggest that the treatments help maintain better photosynthetic efficiency and osmotic balance, which are vital for plant growth under stress conditions. The role of nanoparticles in enhancing plant tolerance to abiotic stresses, including salinity, is well-documented. Previous studies have shown that nanoparticles can improve plant growth and stress tolerance by enhancing nutrient uptake, regulating ion homeostasis, and boosting antioxidant enzyme activity[2]. In particular, nanotechnology has been effective in combating salinity stress by improving the uptake of essential nutrients and maintaining ionic balance in plant cells[3]. The current study aligns with these findings and adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of nanotechnology in agriculture. The CMC-CA NC, a biostimulant, significantly enhanced peppermint's tolerance to salinity by increasing the content of compatible solutes such as proline, free amino acids, proteins, and soluble carbohydrates. These solutes help in osmotic adjustment, protecting cellular structures and enzymes from the detrimental effects of high salt concentrations. Additionally, the study observed an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity in plants treated with CA and CMC-CA NC. Antioxidant enzymes play a critical role in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are harmful byproducts of stress conditions like salinity. By increasing the activity of these enzymes, the treatments helped in reducing oxidative damage, thereby improving plant health and growth. The use of symbiotic fungi like Piriformospora indica has also been shown to confer salt tolerance in plants by improving nutrient uptake and maintaining water status[4][5]. While the current study did not explore the role of symbiotic fungi, it is worth noting that combining such biological approaches with nanotechnology could potentially offer even greater benefits in mitigating salinity stress. In conclusion, the research from the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili demonstrates the significant potential of cinnamic acid and its nanocomposite in enhancing salt tolerance in peppermint plants. By improving physiological and biochemical parameters, these treatments offer a promising solution to one of the major challenges in agriculture. The study not only reinforces the importance of nanotechnology in agriculture but also opens new avenues for further research to optimize and combine different stress mitigation strategies.

MedicineBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) The ameliorating effects of cinnamic acid-based nanocomposite against salt stress in peppermint.

Published 3rd July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-34158-0

Related Studies

2) The Role of Nanoparticles in Response of Plants to Abiotic Stress at Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Levels.

https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020292

3) Interactions of nanoparticles and salinity stress at physiological, biochemical and molecular levels in plants: A review.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112769

4) Piriformospora indica inoculation alleviates the adverse effect of NaCl stress on growth, gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

https://doi.org/10.1111/plb.12717

5) Piriformospora indica confers salinity tolerance on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) through amelioration of nutrient accumulation, K+/Na+ homeostasis and water status.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00299-019-02434-w


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