Unveiling of interactions between foliar-applied Cu nanoparticles and barley suffering from Cu deficiency

The objective of this study was to evaluate nano-Cu-plant interactions under Cu deficiency. Nano-Cu at rates of 100 and 1000 mg L^-1 was applied as foliar spray to Hordeum vulgare L. during increased demand for nutrients at tillering stage. Corresponding treatment with CuSO₄ was used to exam the nano-specific effects. Cu compounds-plant leaves interactions were analyzed with spectroscopic and microscopic methods (ICP-OES, FTIR/ATR, SEM-EDS). Moreover, the effect of Cu compounds on plants in terms of biomass, pigments content, lipid peroxidation, antiradical properties, the activity of enzymes involved in plant defense against stress (SOD, CAT, POD, GR, PAL, PPO) and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants (GSH, GSSG, TPC) was determined after 1 and 7 days of exposure. Cu loading to plant leaves increased over time, but the content of Cu under treatment with nano-Cu at 100 mg L^-1 was lower by 76% than CuSO₄ at 7th day of exposure. The changes induced by applied Cu compounds in biochemical traits were mostly observed after 1 day. Our data showed that CuSO₄ exposure induce oxidative stress (increased MDA level and GSSG content) when compared to control and nano-Cu treated plants. Noteworthy, nano Cu at 100 mg L^-1 demonstrated enhanced stress tolerance as indicated by boosted GSH content. After 7 days, the antioxidant response was almost same compared to control sample. However, based on other indicators (pigment content, chlorosis sign, biomass), it should be noted that CuSO₄ caused serve oxidative burst of plant which may resulted in damage of defense system. Nano-Cu, especially at 100 mg L^-1, showed promising effect on plant health, and obtained results may be useful for optimizing of nano-Cu application as fertilizer agent.