Description:[0001] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0002] Biological approach involving bacteria for nanoparticles (NPs) synthesis is a sustainable technology to develop nano bioformulation towards sustainable agriculture. Bacteria produce a diversity of secondary metabolites specially reductases that are unique and worked as reducing molecule in environment. These biological agents reduce metal salts to oxides to attain compatibility via active, passive or combined mechanisms.
[0003] Nanoparticles (NPs) significantly impact the interactions between microorganisms and plants, leading to improved plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance. The integration of NPs into agricultural systems holds great promise for enhancing microbial growth, promoting plant-microbe interactions.
[0004] A number of different types of biofertilizers that are known in the prior art. For example, the following patent is provided for their supportive teachings and are all incorporated by reference.
[0005] A document WO2018005930A is related to the development of improved fertilizer for precision and sustainable agriculture. A method was developed wherein efficient NPK nanocomposite for plant nutrition was synthesized in a single step using aerosol science and technology concepts. Further, a formulation was prepared by addition of ZnO, TiO2 and other nanoparticles to the NPK nanocomposite. Also, an aerosol based foliar application technique was developed for the precise delivery of nanoparticles to the plants.
[0006] Iron oxides NPs have stimulated growth and activity of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). They have also served as carriers for PGPR, protecting them in harsh environmental conditions and facilitating their attachment to plant roots. Nanotechnology-based delivery methods have improved the efficacy of agricultural inputs, alleviated environmental concerns, and enhanced sustainability in agriculture. They enhance targeted delivery, reduce waste, and lower environmental impacts. Nanoparticles can be sprayed directly onto plants (foliar delivery), can be incorporated into soil with fertilizers and applied to seed.
[0007] In the proposed invention biocompatible iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) were synthesized using bacteria with enhanced efficacy of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). The FeNPs were amorphous having 15-50 nm size, with negative polarity and colloidal stability. The FeNPs interaction enhanced bacterial growth (up to 21 %) in liquid medium and enhanced their biological activities namely, phosphate solubilization (31 %), zinc solubilization (23 %), Indole acetic acid (IAA) production (18 %) and siderophore production (21 %). FeNPs application through seed priming and foliar spray increased wheat biomass (up to 53 %), gain weight (19.5 %) and nutrient content in grain (Fe- 21 %, Zn-35 %) as compared to RDF control under pot house experiment.
[0008] Above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, no assertion is made, and as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the present invention.
[0009] In the view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types nanobiofertilizers now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved one. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved technique by integration of NPs with PGPR into agricultural systems holds great promise for enhancing microbial growth and activity thereof, promoting plant-microbe interactions that has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0010] In the view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of nanobiofertilizers now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved one. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved sustainable approach offering innovative nano formulation for crop biofortification and yield enhancement and suitable for climate resilient agriculture which has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
[0011] The main objective of the proposed invention is that the integration of NPs into agricultural systems holds great promise for enhancing microbial growth, promoting plant-microbe interactions. The proposed technology provides a green and sustainable solution to meet the food demand. Developed Nano bioformulation will provide nutrients to plants and their accumulation in food chain through biofortification.
[0012] Yet another important aspect of the proposed invention is that the biocompatible iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) were synthesized using bacteria with enhanced efficacy of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). The FeNPs were amorphous (5-50 nm in size) with negative polarity and colloidal stability. The FeNPs interaction enhanced bacterial growth (up to 21 %) in liquid medium and enhanced their biological activities namely, phosphate solubilization (31 %), zinc solubilization (23 %), IAA (18 %) and siderophore production (21 %). FeNPs application through seed priming and foliar spray increased wheat biomass (up to 53 %), gain weight (19.5 %) and nutrient content in grain (Fe- 21 %, Zn-35 %) as compared to RDF control under pot house experiment.
[0013] Another important aspect of the proposed invention is that the interaction of FeNPs enhanced the soil microbial enzymatic activities namely dehydrogenase (27 %) and fluorescein diacetate (52 %), resulted to increase plant auxin (43 %) and chlorophyll content (47.9 %) as compared to RDF control. Application of FeNPs in combination of PGPR bolster the bacterial enzymatic activities and enhanced the production of plant growth regulatory hormones. This is a sustainable approach offering innovative nano formulation for crop biofortification and yield enhancement and suitable for climate resilient agriculture.
[0014] Yet another important aspect of the proposed invention is that formulation will rejuvenate soil health by enhancing its organic carbon content and microbial biomass carbon. The formulation will mitigate negative effect of chemical fertilizers using an integrated approach.
[0015] Another aspect of the proposed invention is that formulation is a smart technological solution to mitigate food toxicity due to extensive usage of agrochemicals and their negative impact on human and animal health. Technology is easy to use without any harmful effect to the environment.
[0016] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0017] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates the size and morphology of bacterial FeNPs under Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) of development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof, according to the embodiment herein.
Figure 2 illustrates the diffractogram shows crystalline and amorphous nature of standard FeNPs and bacterial FeNPs of development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof, according to the embodiment herein.
Figure 3 illustrates the surface functionalities of standard and bacterial FeNPs of development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof, according to the embodiment herein.
Figure 4 illustrates the effect of FeNPs on growth of bacteria at different concentrations of development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof, according to the embodiment herein.
Figure 5 illustrates the effect of standard and bacterial iron nanoparticles on PGPR growth at different time (h) intervals of development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof, according to the embodiment herein.
Figure 6 illustrates the effect of FeNPs on plant growth promoting traits of bacteria of development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof, according to the embodiment herein.
Figure 7 illustrates the effect of FeNPs applied through seed priming and foliar treatments on wheat growth parameters; A) root length, B) shoot length, C) plant biomass, and D) 100 grain weight of development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof, according to the embodiment herein.
Figure 8 illustrates the effect of NPs seed priming on wheat biochemical parameters Chlorophyll (A) and Auxin (B) of development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof, according to the embodiment herein.
Figure 9 illustrates the effect of NPs seed priming on soil microbial enzymes; Dehydrogenase (A), and Fluorescein diacetate (B) of development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof, according to the embodiment herein.
Figure 10 illustrates the effect of FeNPs on nutritional content (Fe and Zn) of wheat grain, straw and soil of development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof, according to the embodiment herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0019] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that the embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0020] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using several embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is neither intended to be limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described, nor intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention covers all modification/s, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. The headings are used for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this description, the word "may" be used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Further, the words unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and any additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude any other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like are included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention.
[0021] In this disclosure, whenever an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising", it is understood that we also contemplate the same element or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting essentially of, "consisting", "selected from the group consisting of”, "including", or "is" preceding the recitation of the element or group of elements and vice versa.
[0022] The plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) was used to evaluate iron tolerance on nutrient agar media supplemented with FeCl3 (3-15 ppm). The bacteria were tested for plant growth promoting traits namely IAA, siderophore production and phosphate, zinc solubilization using standard protocol (Rana et al. 2011).
[0023] Bacterial synthesis of iron nanoparticles:
The bacteria (PGPR) was grown in Luria Bertani (LB) broth in incubator shaker for 5 days (120 rpm, 28 ± 2 °C). The bacterial cells were harvested through centrifugation (5000 rpm, 10 min) and supernatant was collected. The supernatant was mixed with FeCl3 via stirring at 800 rpm at 50 °C for 3 h. The mixture was centrifuge (8000 rpm, 10 min) and NPs sediment was washed (3 times) with sterile distilled water, following washing with 70% ethanol and dried at 50 °C.
[0024] Characterization of iron nanoparticles:
The size, morphology, surface functionality analysis, elemental composition, and crystallinity of the synthesized iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) were conducted using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Particle Size Analysis (PSA), Zeta Potential Analysis, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD).
[0025] Effect of Fe nanoparticles on bacterial growth and PGP traits thereof:
PGPR was grown in LB broth supplemented with biosynthesized iron nanoparticles at different concentrations (10- 50 ppm). The growth of bacteria was measured at OD600 nm after 12 and 24 h. The optimized concentration which shows a significant effect on bacterial growth enhancement was compared with standard chemically synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (Sigma Aldrich Chemicals Pvt. Ltd). The effect of optimized dose of NPs was checked on bacterial PGP traits namely zinc and phosphate solubilization, siderophore and IAA production by following quantitative assays.
[0026] Development of formulation of bacteria
The optimized concentration of FeNPs that enhanced bacterial growth and traits thereof under in vitro study, was used for liquid formulation of bacteria.
[0027] Pot experiments
The effect of formulation (synthesized FeNPs in combination with PGPR) was tested on wheat growth, yield, and nutritional value under pot house conditions. Wheat seeds were primed with the suspension of NPs (30 min) and bacterial culture before sowing. A total of 6 treatments were designed as follows: T1: Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF) Control, T2: PGPR + RDF, T3: FeNPs (20 ppm- seed treatment) + PGPR + RDF, T4: FeNPs (100 ppm-seed treatment) + PGPR + RDF, T5: PGPR + RDF + FeSO4 (0.5% foliar spray), T6: FeNPs (20 ppm- foliar spray) + PGPR + RDF, T7: FeNPs (100 ppm- foliar spray) + PGPR + RDF.
[0028] Soil microbial enzymatic activity and plant biochemical analysis:
Soil dehydrogenase and fluorescein diacetate (FDA) activities were measured using modified method as described by Rana et al. (2011). Plant leaves were collected for estimation of auxin (Manna et al., 2024), and Chlorophyll content (Wellburn, 1994).
[0029] Plant growth parameters
Plant growth parameters, namely shoot and root length, plant biomass, spikes, grain weight (100 seeds per treatment) were measured. All experiments were performed in triplicates and mean values were reported. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s HSD test were performed to measure significant difference among treatments (p < 0.05, n=3).
[0030] Nutrient analysis
Nutrient profile of plant and soil was estimated for micro nutrients (Fe and Zn) using standard protocols as described by Rana et al. (2012). The bacterial isolate (PGPR) was tolerant to iron (FeCl3) up to 9 mM on growth media. Iron nanoparticles were synthesized using PGPR. The size of synthesized nanoparticles (Fe) was 15-50 nm under transmission electron microscopy. The negatively polarity and zeta potential (>-30 mV) of bacterial NPs provided them colloidal stability due to capping with bacterial surfactant.
[0031] The standard iron oxide nanoparticles were used as reference material simultaneously with bacterial NPs. The typical patterns in diffractogram ascertain that the standard Fe-NPs have a cubic spinel structure similar to magnetite (Fe₃O₄) due to the diffraction peaks corresponding to 30.14° (220), 35.59° (311), 43.3° (400), 57.21° (511) and 62.8° (440) and no distinguishable peaks in bacterial nanoparticles indicated its amorphous nature. Sharp peaks in pXRD patterns indicate purity and well-defined crystal structure of standard nanoparticles.
[0032] Surface chemistry of FeNPs
The presence of functional groups on bacterial and standard nanomaterials was studied using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The peaks at 550-600 cm-1, 1096 cm-1, 1644-1651 cm-1, 2880-2900 cm-1, and 3350-3401 cm-1, were corresponding to the functionalities, Fe-O, C-O, C=C, -CH2-CH3 and O-H, respectively both in standard and bacterial FeNPs. The biological sample's lower wavenumber may be the result of organic compound capping. The broad band corresponding to the stretching vibration of hydroxyl group peak is associated with the polyphenols or flavonoids which act as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Peaks of C-O, C=C denotes the existence of carbohydrate ring which includes cellulose, pectin and other polysaccharides which may originate from plant metabolites. Bands corresponding to –CH₂ and –CH₃ stretching vibrations suggest the presence of fatty acids or proteins, with organic molecule capping improving colloidal stability in biologically synthesized nanoparticles.
[0033] Effect of FeNPs on bacterial growth
The impact of amorphous FeNPs on the growth of PGPR in liquid medium was dose dependent. The maximum growth of bacteria was observed at 20 ppm for iron with an increase in bacterial growth (up to 21 % after 24 h) versus control without NPs. The effect of standard and bacterial FeNPs on growth of PGPR was compared in a liquid medium at optimized NPs concentration (20 ppm). The amorphous bacterial FeNPs significantly increased bacterial population (16 %) versus standard FeNPs. However, the standard nanoparticles did not show any significant effect on bacterial growth enhancement vs control (without NPs).
[0034] Effect of nanoparticles on PGP traits
The effect of amorphous iron NPs on the plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits of bacteria was checked with different doses of NPs (10, 20, and 50 ppm) supplemented with liquid medium. The maximum enhancement in biological activities was observed at 20 ppm-FeNPs as following, phosphate solubilization (31 %), zinc solubilization (23 %), IAA (18 %) and siderophore production significantly increased up to 21 %. The amorphous FeNPs enhanced PGP traits of bacteria. These results indicate towards biocompatibility and synergistic effect of FeNPs on biological activity of plant-beneficial rhizobacteria. In this study, we have observed very first time the effect of bacterial FeNPs on PGP traits of rhizobacteria. The impact of FeNPs on bacterial growth was dependent on dose and nature (crystalline and amorphous). A dose of 20 ppm significantly enhanced PGP traits of bacteria namely, IAA and siderophore production, phosphate and zinc solubilization.
[0035] Iron nanoparticle treated plants showed enhanced effect on shoot length of wheat with a maximum of 74.9 cm in treatment T3 (PGPR + FeNPs-20 ppm) applied through seed priming. An increase up to 19 % in combination of NPs and PGPR (T3) versus RDF control (T1). The root length was increased (42 %) in T3 (PGPR+FeNPs-20 ppm) versus RDF control (T1). The maximum plant biomass (11.0 g) was recorded in treatment T3 with an increase of 53 % versus RDF control (T1). The maximum 100 grains weight (4.6 g, 19.5 % increase) was recorded in treatment T3 versus RDF control (T1)
[0036] Effect of FeNPs on plant biochemical parameters
The effect of NPs was observed on plant biochemical parameters namely chlorophyll and auxin. The chlorophyll content (µg/g) in leaf tissue was 47.9 % increase in treatment T7, followed by T3 (31.3 %) versus RDF control (T1). The Auxin content was 43 % increase in T3 followed by T7 (39 %) versus RDF control (T1). Auxins play a critical role in plant growth, influencing cell elongation and division, and their enhancement is likely to contribute the observed improvements in plant biomass and other growth traits.
[0037] Effect of FeNPs on soil microbial enzymatic activity
The dehydrogenase activity was increased 39.5 % in T4 followed by 37.5 % in T3 versus RDF control (T1). Moreover, dehydrogenase activity was also increased in other NPs treatments up to 27 %. The fluorescein diacetate activity was increased up to 52 % in treatment T3 followed by T4 (50 %) versus RDF control (T1). Present study demonstrates nanoparticle (NP) to be effective to enhance soil microbial enzyme activities (dehydrogenase and fluorescein diacetate) and underscored the effectiveness of NPs in improving soil health and microbial function, which are crucial for sustainable agricultural practices.
[0038] Effect of FeNPs on the nutritional content of wheat
The maximum increase in iron content in wheat grains was 21 % (50.1 ppm) in T3 (PGPR+FeNPs-20 ppm-seed priming) and T6 (PGPR+FeNPs-20 ppm-foliar ) versus control (T1, 41.3). The iron content in wheat straw was increased 23.5 % in T4 (168 ppm) versus RDF control (T1). There was a significant increase in iron content in soil of NPs treatment T6 (33.9 %) followed by T3 (29.7 %) versus RDF control (T1). The zinc content (18.5 ppm) in grain was increased up to 35 % (T3, T6, T7) versus RDF control. The zinc content (11.9 ppm) in straw increased up to 41.4 % in T4. The zinc content in soil was increased up to 46.4 % in T7 followed by T3 (42.6 %).
[0039] Bacterial FeNPs were successfully synthesised and having colloidal stability, amorphous in nature and biocompatibile with PGPR. These NPs enhanced the growth of bacteria and induced the production of biomolecules related to plant growth and solubilization of minerals such as Fe, Zn and P. The dose dependent effect was distinct at 20 ppm of FeNPs. Combined effect of FeNPs with bacteria enhanced wheat growth and yield including biofortification of crop. The FeNPs also enhanced soil microbial enzymatic activities and boosted the soil health via mobilization and fixation of nutrients. The study caters the sustainability development goals pertaining to zero hunger, sustainable growth, food security.
[0040] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Before describing the detailed embodiments that are in accordance with the present disclosure, it should be observed that the embodiment resides primarily in combinations arrangement of the system according to an embodiment herein and as exemplified in FIG. 1
[0041] Figure 1 illustrates the size and morphology of bacterial FeNPs under Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) of development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof.
[0042] Figure 2 illustrates the diffractogram shows crystalline and amorphous nature of standard FeNPs and bacterial FeNPs of development of innovative nano biofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof.
[0043] Figure 3 illustrates the surface functionalities of standard and bacterial FeNPs of development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof.
[0044] Figure 4 illustrates the effect of FeNPs on growth of bacteria at different concentrations of development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof.
[0045] Figure 5 illustrates the effect of standard and bacterial iron nanoparticles on PGPR growth at different time (h) intervals of development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof.
[0046] Figure 6 illustrates the effect of FeNPs on plant growth promoting traits of bacteria of development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof.
[0047] Figure 7 illustrates the effect of FeNPs applied through seed priming and foliar treatments on wheat growth parameters; A) root length, B) shoot length, C) plant biomass, and D) 100 grain weight of development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof.
[0048] Figure 8 illustrates the effect of NPs seed priming on wheat biochemical parameters Chlorophyll (A) and Auxin (B) of development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof.
[0049] Figure 9 illustrates the effect of NPs seed priming on soil microbial enzymes; Dehydrogenase (A), and Fluorescein diacetate (B) of development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof.
[0050] Figure 10 illustrates the effect of FeNPs on nutritional content (Fe and Zn) of wheat grain, straw and soil of development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof.
[0051] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the arrangement of the system according to an embodiment herein. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present embodiment can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures are shown in block diagram form only in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.
, Claims:1. Development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof claim that the biocompatible iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) were synthesized using bacteria with enhanced efficacy of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). The FeNPs were amorphous, 15-50 nm in size, with negative polarity and colloidal stability. The FeNPs interaction enhanced bacterial growth (up to 21 %) in liquid medium and enhanced their biological activities namely, phosphate solubilization (31 %), zinc solubilization (23 %), IAA (18 %) and siderophore production (21 %). FeNPs application through seed priming and foliar spray increased wheat biomass (up to 53 %), gain weight (19.5 %) and nutrient content in grain (Fe- 21 %, Zn-35 %) as compared to RDF control under pot house experiment.
2. Development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof, according to claim 1, claims that the interaction of FeNPs enhanced the soil microbial enzymatic activities namely dehydrogenase (27 %) and fluorescein diacetate (52 %), resulted to increase plant auxin (43 %) and chlorophyll content (47.9 %) as compared to RDF control.
3. Development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof, according to claim 1, claims that the application of FeNPs in combination of PGPR bolster the bacterial enzymatic activities and enhanced the production of plant growth regulatory hormones. This is a sustainable approach offering innovative nano formulation for crop biofortification and yield enhancement and suitable for climate resilient agriculture.
4. Development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof, according to claim 1, claims that the bacterial FeNPs were successfully synthesised and having colloidal stability, amorphous in nature and biocompatible with PGPR. These NPs enhanced the growth of bacteria and induced the production of biomolecules related to plant growth and solubilization of minerals such as Fe, Zn and P. The dose dependent effect was distinct at 20 ppm of FeNPs. Combined effect of FeNPs with bacteria enhanced wheat growth and yield including biofortification of crop.
5. Development of innovative nanobiofertilizer for crop biofortification and productivity and method thereof, as claimed in claim 4, claims that the FeNPs also enhanced soil microbial enzymatic activities and boosted the soil health via mobilization and fixation of nutrients. The study caters the sustainability development goals pertaining to zero hunger, sustainable growth and food security.