Paper Details

PJB-2024-319

Foliar application of nano titanium dioxide mitigates drought stress in Moringa peregrina

Faheema Khan, Fatimah Alshudukhi and Asma A. Al-Huqail
Abstract

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Drought stress is one of the most significant environmental factors limiting plant growth and productivity. In this regard, applying nano-fertilizers is a favorable emerging method for reducing abiotic stresses. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of different concentrations of TiO₂ NPs on the morphological, physiological, and antioxidative response of Moringa peregrina grown under drought stress. The suspensions of nano-TiO₂ in the varying concentrations (D=0, T1=50, T2=100 and T3=200 mg/L) were applied as foliar spray to M. peregrina seedlings after 4 weeks of emergence for three continuous days. The seedlings were irrigated with distilled water every 3 days until the relative soil water content reached approximately 30%. Untreated pots (control) were irrigated with tap water continuously. Later, data for different morphological and biochemical parameters were determined in triplicate. The results so obtained showed that the treatment of M. peregrina under drought stress with TiO₂ NPs enhanced the total chlorophyll content, total soluble proteins, proline content, and antioxidant enzyme activities in dose-dependent manner compared to those of non-treated plants. It is concluded from the present study that drought stress-induced damages, such as oxidative stress and membrane impairment, can be ameliorated by foliar application of TiO₂ NPs. Therefore, an appropriate concentration of TiO₂ NPs can be used as an exogenous stimulus for enhancing morphological and biochemical performances in M. peregrina under drought stress.

 

To Cite this article: Khan, F., F. Alshudukhi and A.A. Al-Huqail. 2026. Foliar application of nano titanium dioxide mitigates drought stress in Moringa peregrina. Pak. J. Bot., 58(1): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2026-1(3)  
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