Green synthesis of manganese zinc ferrite nanoparticles and their application as nanofertilizers for Cucurbita pepo L.

This study aims to synthesize manganese zinc ferrite nanoparticles (Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 NPs) using a green chemistry synthesis technique and investigate their efficiency as nanofertilizers for squash plant (Cucurbita pepo L). In this work, Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 NPs were successfully prepared at different temperatures via simple template-free microwave-assisted hydrothermal route and used as foliar nanofertilizers for squash plant. The physicochemical characteristics of the as-prepared ferrites were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) techniques. The prepared nanoferrites showed type IV adsorption isotherm characteristic for mesoporous materials. FE-SEM and HR-TEM imaging proves the production cubic shaped nanoparticles with average particle size 10-12 nm. Also the impact of using different concentrations of Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 NPs on vegetative growth, minerals content and the yield of squash plant were investigated. The result showed that the highest vegetative growth for squash appeared with plants supplied by Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 NPs synthesized at 180°C. On the contrary, the yield of squash recorded the best with 160°C. As for the use of different concentrations of Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 NPs, it was found that the use of the lowest concentrations gave the highest values of vegetative growth and yield characters. The chemical content of the squash plant differs from the components of proximate value and the elements according to the temperature used in the composition of the compound Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 NPs and its concentrations. Accordingly, these nanoferrites can be considered as good candidates for Cucurbita pepo L fertilization.