Growth and development of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris l.) var. pinto saltillo exposed to iron, titanium, and zinc oxide nanoparticles in an agricultural soil

Sustainable use of nanoparticles (NP) in the agriculture requires a deep understanding in order to determine their benefits potential as well as their toxicological impacts. Common bean plants were growing and irrigated with suspensions of magnetite, ferrihydrite, hematite, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide NP at 0, 3, or 6 g L^-1 in a 120 days’ greenhouse experiment, in order to investigate the effect of these NP on growth and development of common bean. None of the five NP modified significantly the chlorophyll content of common bean plants, while at least one concentration of hematite, ferrihydrite or magnetite increased significantly the total N of roots or shoots, the number of pods, dry weight of pods, the number of seeds, and yield of common bean. Additionally, at least one concentration of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide decreased significantly the number of pods, the fresh weight of pods and the number of seeds. These finds are an important factor to take into account with regard to the applicability of NP for long-term use in crops, but the selection of the proper NP at their adequate concentration is important for realizing higher benefits for an agrosustainable target.