Effect of Phosphate Nanoparticles Synthesized by Microwave and Ultrasonic Methods on Morphophysiological and Biochemical Properties of Maize (Zea mays L.)

In order to investigate the effect of nano-hydroxyapatite phosphate synthesized by two synthetic methods of microwave and ultrasonic on some morphological and physiological properties of maize, an experiment was performed in the factorial form in a completely randomized design in the greenhouse of Kerman Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, Summer 2018. Treatments included simple superphosphate and triple superphosphate fertilizer, nano-hydroxyapatite synthesized by microwave and ultrasonic methods, each at five levels in three replications. The results showed that application of nano-hydroxyapatite by ultrasonic method compared with normal condition lead to a 17.47% increase leaf number, 13.02% in stem weight, 46.19 chlorophyll content and 23.06% in phenol content. In addition, nano-hydroxyapatite by microwave method increased the leaf weight, phosphorus and biological yield by 21.87%, 43.47% and 51.06% respectively, compared with control condition. The application of nanohydroxyapatite phosphate improved the growth characteristics and physiology of the maize plant compared to control and simple superphosphate fertilizers and triple. The results also showed that nano-phosphates could more effectively improve the growth and biochemical yield of maize. The highest biochemical function was obtained from nano-hydroxyapatite treatment by microwave method.  According to the obtained results, it is concluded that both methods can improve plant growth conditions and ultimately increase plant yield and production; However, since the microwave synthesis method resulted in higher yield (wet and dry weight), it was identified as the superior method of introduction.