Enhancing the Physiological and Biochemical Potential of Praecitrullus fistulosus L. through Synergistic Action of Biochar and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

In contemporary farming practices, biochar along with nano-priming of seeds has become a significant application for improving soil fertility, germination, and seedling vigor. A pot experiment was performed in a completely randomized design (CRD) with factorial arrangement and replicated thrice. Biochar was mixed in soil with (0.1%) and (0.2%) per 5 kg pot size for one week before seeds sowing. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were used for the nano-priming of tinda seeds. Round gourd seeds were nano-primed with ZnO NP (20 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg) and were sown in biochar-mixed soil. Shoot length, root length, and shoot fresh weight were maximum in T3 (0.1% biochar with 60 mg ZnO) as compared to control and other treatment groups. Photosynthetic pigments have not shown any significant increase under treated conditions as compared to control tinda plants. Physiological attributes were significantly increased as compared to non-treated plants. Total soluble sugars and proline were highest in T4 (0.2% biochar with 20 mg ZnO) compared to other treatment groups. Antioxidant enzyme catalase showed an increase in content with T1 (0.1% biochar with 20 mg ZnO), followed by, T2 (0.1% biochar with 40 mg ZnO), T3 (0.1% biochar with 60 mg ZnO) and least in T6 (0.2% biochar with 60 mg ZnO). Maximum peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity was observed in T6 (0.2% biochar with 60 mg ZnO) as compared to other treatments. Move over, it is recommended to use biochar in soil and green ZnO nanoparticles as priming agents for improvement in the growth and productivity of round gourd plants.