Self-assembly of 1-triacontanol onto layered doubled hydroxide nano-carriers toward sustainable growth regulation of maize

Abstract

1-Triacontanol has attracted considerable research interest in the plant growth regulator field, owing to its physiological effect on seed germination, root growth and photosynthesis enhancement. In this work, a 1-triacontanol modified layered double hydroxide (tria-LDH) with improved dispersion and sustainable growth regulation properties is prepared via a facile self-assembly method. The tria-LDH shows enhanced foliar behavior in both wettability and adhesion, which holds the possibility of extended duration. It improved the physiological indices stem thickness, leaf area, and dry weight during the drought stress experiment on maize. Through the analysis of the MDA content and SOD activity, the physiological behaviour has been clarified by a synergy mechanism, the utilization of the tria-LDH can achieve sustainable growth regulation to alleviate drought stress mainly through the promotion of the SOD activity of ∼18.1% to remove free radicals and inhibit the cell membrane lipid peroxidation, which is confirmed by the reduced accumulation of MDA of ∼63.5%. Additionally, the application of LDH nano-carriers made the 1-triacontanol have a nanosized morphology and a rapid and continuous effect. Therefore, the tria-LDH provides a new perspective in well-designed nano-inputs, which shows sustainable growth regulation in agricultural production.