Chitosan nanofertilizer to foster source activity in maize

Abstract We, herein, report the effect of chitosan nanofertilizer comprising of copper (Cu) and salicylic acid (SA) on source activity in maize. Seed treatment and foliar application of chitosan nanofertilizer significantly up-regulated the source activity in developing maize plants. Seed treatment with nanofertilizer induced 1.6 folds higher seedling vigour index, 1.7–3.0 folds higher activities of reserve food mobilizing enzymes in seedlings as compared with control. Foliar application of nanofertilizer (0.01–0.16%) statistically significantly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes (1.06–1.91 folds), reduced malondialdehyde content and enhanced chlorophyll contents (2 folds) in leaves. Application of nanofertilizer remarkably induced sucrose translocation (2.5–3.5 folds) in internodes which gives subtle clue of higher remobilization of nutrients towards growing cob. The elusive bioactivities of nanofertilizer can be attributed to slow release and synergistic effects of Cu and SA. We claim that chitosan nanofertilizer has immense potential to promote source activity in maize for higher crop yield.