Precursor-dependent effects of bio-assisted iron nanocomplexes on physiological and phytochemical traits of Zataria multiflora Boiss.

Foliar application of 0.4% Fe-T nanocomplexes to Zataria multiflora most strongly improved vegetative growth, biomass, chlorophyll, hydration, membrane stability, and leaf traits.

• Why it matters: Iron nanocomplexes can affect plant physiology and phytochemical output, but precursor-dependent differences in foliar performance and oxidative stress mitigation remain unclear.
• What they did: Bio-assisted Fe-based nanocomplexes were synthesized using green tea extract (Fe-T) or Kilka fish extract (Fe-F), characterized by FTIR/SEM/TEM, then tested on foliar traits and antioxidant/oxidative stress markers.
• The result: Fe-T at 0.4% reduced H2O2 and MDA while increasing SOD, CAT, APX, and GPX, and it maximized essential oil production with a notable thymol increase, linked to lower oxidative stress.

AI summary of the abstract · may contain errors · not medical advice · read the paper.