Interactive effect of Moringa oleifera mediated green nanoparticles and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on growth, root system architecture, and nutrient uptake in maize ( Zea mays L.)

The synergistic interaction between green nanoparticles (NPs) and mycorrhizal fungi promotes plant growth by improving nutrient absorption, optimizing root function, and stress resistance. In this study, we explored the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Funnaliformis mosseae and Moringa oleifera mediated green NPs viz; iron oxide (FeO), zinc oxide (ZnO), and Zn doped FeO (Zn/Fe) NPs, both individually and in combination, on maize growth, root system architecture, organic acids production, mycorrhizal colonization, and nutrients uptake. Prior to NP synthesis, metabolomic analysis of Moringa oleifera leaves was conducted to characterize its bioactive compounds. The structural properties of green synthesized NPs confirmed by characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that all individual and combined treatments of AMF and green NPs significantly enhanced maize growth compared to the control. Among the single NP treatments, Zn/Fe NPs exhibited superior performance over FeO and ZnO. However, when combined with AMF, ZnO and Zn/Fe NPs induced the highest growth responses than FeO NPs. The ZnO NPs proved most compatibility with AMF for improving colonization in maize roots, whereas FeO and Zn/Fe NPs reduced colonization efficiency. Furthermore, combination of AMF and ZnO NPs (AMF+ ZnO) noted as most prominent treatment for improvement of maize growth compared to other all treatments, highlighting the potential of AMF+ ZnO NPs for sustainable agricultural applications.