Effects of Zn/B nanofertilizer on biophysical characteristics and growth of coffee seedlings in a greenhouse

[[abstract]]The effects of Zn/B nanofertilizer on the biophysical characteristics and growth of coffee seedlings in a greenhouse were investigated. Zn/B nanofertilizer was prepared by loading ZnSO4 and H3BO3 on a chitosan nanoparticles emulsion that was prepared by ionic gelation with tripolyphosphate. The nanofertilizer was characterized by TEM, SEM, zeta potential value and size distribution. The nanofertilizer was sprayed on the leaves of coffee seedlings in five different doses of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 ppm. Application of the nanofertilizer enhanced the uptake of zinc, nitrogen and phosphorus. The results were found to increase the chlorophyll content and photosynthesis of the coffee. Finally, the nanofertilizer promoted growth of the coffee plants in the leaf area, height of plant and stem diameter. The nanofertilizer seems to be a great potential foliar feed for the growth of coffee and other plants.[[sponsorship]]科技部[[notice]]補正完