INFLUENCE OF NANO FERTILIZATION ON THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND BIOACTIVE COMPONENTS IN GRAPEVINE.

Abstract

Nanofertilizers represent a major advancement in agriculture, offering enhanced nutrient transport and regulation, resulting in improved plant growth and crop yield. Essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients are crucial for healthy plant development, and the application of nanofertilizers has demonstrated improved soil properties, better water retention, and increased plant resilience to stressors. This study investigated the effects of a newly developed organic nano NPK+Zn fertilizer on the nutrition of the ‘Cardinal’ grape variety, focusing on its influence on the chemical composition of grape leaves and the bioactive compound content in grape fruit. The experiment included four variants: 1. Control (untreated); 2. NPK mineral fertilizer (soil); 3. Nano NPK + Zn (3 g l-1 foliar); and 4. Nano NPK + Zn (5 g l-1 foliar). Treatments were applied four times during the vegetation period: 15 days before and after flowering, during grain growth, and at veraison. Results showed that Nano NPK fertilization led to a higher (p<0.05) concentration of key nutrients and bioactive compounds in both leaves and grape bunches compared to the control. Notably, the 3 g l-1 concentration of the Nano NPK + Zn foliar treatment yielded the highest (p<0.05) content in the examined parameters. While the findings indicate the promising potential of Nano NPK fertilization to enhance grapevine nutrition and fruit quality, further research is necessary to assess long-term effects on soil health, grapevine longevity, and the sustainability of agricultural practices. This approach may offer a more sustainable alternative to conventional fertilization methods.