Growth Enhancement and Physiological Responses of Tanacetum balsamita L. by Cerium Oxide, Zinc Oxide, and Activated Carbon Nanoparticles Foliar Treatment Under Salinity Stress

Salinity damages the plant by creating an imbalance between free radicals and the antioxidant defense system. Plantˈs survival under salinity stress is possible through the changes and adaptation of physiological, biochemical, and anatomical processes. Nanoparticle (NP) treatment under salinity reduces the adverse effects of stress on the plant. To survey the effects of NaCl salinity (zero, 50, and 100 mm) and foliar application of activated carbon, cerium, and zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) on the growth and physiological responses of costmary; a factorial experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design. The results showed that the independent effect of salinity influenced the catalase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, sodium, and potassium content. Plant aerial part dry weight, essential oil, nitrogen content, and Na/K ratio were influenced by the independent effects of salinity and NP spray. By increasing the salinity stress to 100 mm; the aerial part dry weight of the plant decreased by 36% compared to the control. However, proline and MDA content, and Na/K ratio were increased. The highest content of essential oil was observed in the zero and 50 mm salinity. The results revealed the occurrence of up to 40 compounds in the essential oils. Carvone (49–60.1%) was the main component identified in all treatments, and the highest amount of this constituent was traced in NaCl50 mm × CeO2 treatment. The overall results revealed that costmary was sensitive to salinity stress; however, the NP foliar treatments were potentiated to meliorate the accumulation of some major essential oil constituents even under stressful environments.