Investigating the use of green synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles from Melia azedarach to combat cadmium stress in wheat.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple crop that is essential for global food security and nutrition. However, cadmium (Cd) stress significantly impairs plant growth and development by disrupting biological processes. This study investigated the potential of the use of CuO nanoparticles synthesized from Melia azedarach (MA-CuONPs) as a strategy to mitigate the lethal effects of CdCl and enhance the resilience of T. aestivum L. cv. Arooj-22. The experiment utilized a completely randomized design with a two-factor factorial arrangement and three replications. The green synthesis of MA-CuONPs was achieved via the use of M. azedarach leaves, where copper ions are reduced by plant extracts. The NPs were analyzed via a UV spectrophotometer, which showed a maximum absorbance at 218 nm, confirming the successful formation of green-synthesized MA-CuONPs. The CdCl concentrations used were 0, 10, 20, and 30 ppm, whereas MA-CuONPs were applied at concentrations of 0, 10, 15, and 20 ppm. CdCl was administered 15 days postgermination, and MA-CuONPs were foliar sprayed during three growth stages, namely, tillering, jointing, and heading, with Tween 80 as a surfactant. The morphological, physiological, and anatomical parameters of the stem and root and yield parameters were recorded and analyzed via Statisticin 8.1 (two-way ANOVA). The results indicated that at the highest Cd concentration (30 ppm), all the measured parameters significantly decreased, reflecting the adverse effects of Cd stress. Conversely, the application of 20 ppm MA-CuONPs significantly increased all the parameters, demonstrating their ability to mitigate Cd-induced stress. As the Cd concentration increased, a corresponding decline in plant performance was observed, while increasing the CuNP concentration led to improved growth and resilience. This study highlights the potential of CuNPs to increase wheat performance under heavy metal stress, positioning them as a promising approach for improving wheat resilience and productivity in contaminated environments.