Synthesis of zinc-selenium nanocomposites and its hormetic effect on physio-morphological parameters, antioxidant and fatty acid composition of L.

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The present study investigated the hormetic effect of Cobalt-60 (Co) gamma irradiation treatment and zinc-selenium nanocomposites on two canola ( L.) varieties. Zinc-Selenium nanocomposites (Zn-Se NCs) was synthesized from and extracts and characterized through UV-visible spectroscopy (peak absorbance at 295 nm), FTIR (13 functional group peaks acting as capping/stabilizing agents), SEM (spherical morphology, 164 nm average size), and zeta-potential (-32.9 mV). (RCBD, three replications) evaluated the combined A factorial experiment (RCBD, three replications) evaluated the combined effects on physico-morphological traits, antioxidant activities, and fatty acids compositions. The combined application of (Co) irradiation and Zn-Se NCs significantly enhanced plant height, leaf area, fruit pod number, and 100-seed weight in canola. The Zn-Se NCs treatments alone increased stem diameter and number of leaves/plants more significantly than irradiation and Zn-Se NCs combined effects. Treatment with Co at Gy-20 and Zn-Se NCs at 75 and 100 mg/L increased Chl a, Chl b, and total chlorophyll content by 43%, 66%, and 46%, respectively. Plants exposed to irradiation and Zn-Se NCs had little impact on total carotenoid content, relative water content, and membrane stability index. Antioxidant enzymes activities rose significantly under combined irradiation (Gy-10) and Zn-Se NCs (75-100 mg/L) for SOD (79%), POD (208%) and CAT (119%) as compared to the control. At 50 mg/L, Zn-Se NCs boosted DPPH (31%, Gy-20) and ABTS (29%, Gy-10) in both Canola-Super8 and NARC-Sarson. Furthermore, (Co) irradiation and Zn-Se NCs substantially enhanced percentages of oil, protein, oleic acid and linolenic acid compared to control plants. Canola-Super8 seeds treated with Gy-30 irradiation significantly reduced glucosinolates to 13.15 μg/mol, addressing key anti-nutritional factors. These finding highlights the potential of cobalt-60 (Co) irradiation and Zn-Se NCs as sustainable tools for canola biofortification, offering a novel strategy to simultaneously boost crop productivity and seed quality.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04428-w.