Nanoparticles developed in Russia have shown potential to boost plant growth when used as a supplement in irrigation. This finding was shared by the press service of NUST MISIS, highlighting a growing interest in nanotechnology for agriculture.
In recent years, researchers have tested various metal nanoparticles added to soil during watering. These particles are not traditional nutrients. Instead, they interact with plant metabolism and microbial communities, sometimes accelerating growth or restraining harmful bacteria through targeted effects on cellular processes.
NUST MISIS researchers now propose applying a colloidal suspension of CoCuFeNi nanoparticles, a blend of cobalt, copper, iron, and nickel, directly into the soil. The approach aims to unlock the microfertilizer potential of these particles by making them available to plant tissues at the root level.
Reports from the team indicate that the suspension with CoCuFeNi nanoparticles increased plant height by up to 12 percent in watercress and up to 50 percent in oil radish. The stems appeared noticeably longer as a result of enhanced activity within plant tissues. The researchers describe the nanoparticle mix as having a complex mode of action, capable of entering cells and subcellular organelles to influence growth and development. A notable gain in biomass was observed, with about a 20 percent weight increase compared with plants irrigated with plain water. Such outcomes suggest the nanoparticles act as biostimulants that support growth beyond basic nutrient supply.
Beyond growth, the same nanoparticle complex demonstrated antimicrobial properties by inhibiting the growth of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This dual action—promoting plant vigor while reducing certain pathogenic threats—could help improve crop resilience and lower disease risk for humans handling the produce.
In parallel with the plant-focused findings, researchers emphasize that these nanomaterials may alter the soil microbiome in ways that favor healthier plant–microbe interactions. The potential to reduce disease pressure while supporting robust growth positions this technology as a candidate for integrated crop management strategies. Further studies are expected to clarify long term effects on soil health, nutrient uptake, and environmental safety, with a cautious approach to deploying such materials in farming practice.
Earlier work in biology has illustrated how nature can use seemingly unusual traits to support survival. For instance, researchers have noted tail-like features in certain insects that serve as effective attractants for predators as part of broader ecological interactions. While unrelated to the nanotechnology under discussion, such observations remind scientists that biological systems respond to multiple cues, sometimes in unexpected ways, underscoring the need for comprehensive evaluation when introducing new materials into ecosystems.