Open Access

REVIEW

Nanoparticles and Phytohormonal Synergy in Plants: Sustainable Agriculture Approach

Hafiza Muniba Din Muhammad¹, Safina Naz¹, Zarina Bibi², Mohamed A. A. Ahmed³, Alina-Stefania Stanciu⁴, Riaz Ahmad^5,*

1 Department of Horticulture, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan
2 Department of Soil Science, The University of Agriculture, Dera Ismail Khan, 29220, Pakistan
3 Plant Production Department (Horticulture—Medicinal and Aromatic Plants), Faculty of Agriculture (Saba Basha), Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21531, Egypt
4 Department of Agriculture-Horticulture, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, Oradea, 671768, Romania
5 Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture, Dera Ismail Khan, 29220, Pakistan

* Corresponding Author: Riaz Ahmad. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Emerging Insights into Phytohormonal Crosstalk in Plant Stress Tolerance)

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany 2025, 94(9), 2631-2648. https://doi.org/10.32604/phyton.2025.069474

Received 24 June 2025; Accepted 03 September 2025; Issue published 30 September 2025

Abstract

The production of crops is badly affected by climate change globally. Mitigation of adverse effects of climate change is in need of time through different management practices such as developing tolerant genetic resources, hormonal applications to boost defense systems, nanoparticles, and balanced fertilization. The nano-hormonal synergy had the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change by modulation of morpho-physiological and biochemical activities. Plant growth, yield, and quality can be enhanced with the supplementation of nano-hormonal interactions. Therefore, the current study explores the synergy between nanoparticles and phytohormonal use. The nanoparticles, even in low concentrations, had an excellent capability to improve the endogenous hormones contributing to the regulation of plant responses under stress conditions. Nano-hormonal interaction improved the plant tolerance against climate change by activation of signaling molecules and the plant defense system. Nano-hormonal contact triggers several enzymic and non-enzymatic activities that can scavenge toxic substances generated within the plants. The reduction in electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) was due to the supplementation of nano-hormonal exchange. The optimum production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is necessary for normal plant growth and various developmental processes. However, the overproduction of ROS can be eliminated with nano-hormonal synergy. However, inappropriate applications can cause phytotoxicity such as germination inhibition, root malformation, and chlorosis. The optimum doses can vary depending on the kind of crop and stress conditions. The nano-hormonal interface is beneficial for crop growth, yield, and quality. Moreover, these are also effective in repairing plants damaged from adverse climatic conditions. Hence, these are effective for sustainable agriculture production.

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Keywords

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