Impact of zinc sulfide nanoparticle in mitigating drought stress in Brassica juncea

Abstract

Drought stress challenges food grain productivity and triggers oxidative stress in plants due to ROS. Plants have mechanisms to counteract ROS, with antioxidant enzymes aiding stress tolerance. Brassica juncea was studied for drought stress alleviation using zinc sulfide nanoparticles. Various concentrations of ZnS NPs were applied via foliar spray on 18-day-old seedlings. Following treatment, seedlings endured three days of drought stress. Analysis showed a reduction in redox molecules and increased activity of stress-related enzymes. ZnS NP enhanced the activity of enzymes, effectively mitigating stress in Brassica juncea. Among concentrations tested, 25 ppm was most effective.