Ultra-Fast Mass Spectrometry in Plant Biochemistry: Response of Winter Wheat Proteomics to Pre-Sowing Treatment with Iron Compounds.

In recent years, ultrafast liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry methods have been extensively developed for the use in proteome profiling in biochemical studies. These methods are intended for express monitoring of cell response to biotic stimuli and elucidation of correlation of molecular changes with biological processes and phenotypical changes. New technologies, including the use of nanomaterials, are actively introduced to increase agricultural production. However, this requires complex approbation of new fertilizers and investigation of mechanisms underlying the biotic effects on the germination, growth, and development of plants. The aim of this work was to adapt the method of ultrafast chromatography/mass spectrometry for rapid quantitative profiling of molecular changes in 7-day-old wheat seedlings in response to pre-sowing seed treatment with iron compounds. The used method allows to analyze up to 200 samples per day; its practical value lies in the possibility of express proteomic diagnostics of the biotic action of new treatments, including those intended for agricultural needs. Changes in the regulation of photosynthesis, biosynthesis of chlorophyll and porphyrin- and tetrapyrrole-containing compounds, glycolysis (in shoot tissues), and polysaccharide metabolism (in root tissues) were shown after seed treatment with suspensions containing film-forming polymers (PEG 400, Na-CMC, Na2-EDTA), iron (II, III) nanoparticles, or iron (II) sulfate. Observations at the protein levels were consistent with the results of morphometry, superoxide dismutase activity assay, and microelement analysis of 3-day-old germinated seeds and shoots and roots of 7-day-old seedlings. A characteristic molecular signature involving proteins participating in the regulation of photosynthesis and glycolytic process was suggested as a potential marker of the biotic effects of seed treatment with iron compounds, which will be confirmed in further studies.

Tomato response to metal nanoparticles introduction into the nutrient medium.

This study is aimed to explore the capacity of metal nanoparticles (NPs) iron, zinc, copper and their combinations introduced in the Murashige-Skoog (MS) nutrient medium (NM) to affect the growth and development of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.). NPs were prepared by a flow-levitation method. Metal NPs were characterised by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray phase analysis. Average NPs diameters were: iron - 27.0 nm, zinc - 54.0 nm, copper - 79.0 nm. MS NM was modified by substitution of common metal sulphates by neutral metal NPs instead of salts. Tomato seedlings cultivation on NM MS with NPs instead of salts assures improved seedling parameters (root length and root activity) in comparison with plants grown on standard MS. Venice cultivar tomato seedlings grown on NM with metal NPs demonstrated an increase in: seed germination by 10-180%, root length by 10-20%, and root activity by 10 -125%. After 45 days of cultivation, tomato seedlings were transplanted in a greenhouse and were grown up to the harvest. Effects in seed germination and increase of crop mass depended on metal nature and NPs concentration.