Optimising the foliar uptake of zinc oxide nanoparticles: Do leaf surface properties and particle coating affect absorption?

Foliar absorption of zinc (Zn) is limited by several barriers, the first of which is the leaf cuticle. In this study, we investigated the absorption of Zn from Zn oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) in wheat (Triticum aestivum cv Gladius) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus cv Hyoleic 41) to determine the importance of NP surface coating for Zn absorption. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed a higher polysaccharide content in the wheat cuticle than sunflower, indicated by a more pronounced glycosidic bond at 1020 cm−1, but wax and cutin content were similar. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that trichome density was twice as high in wheat (3600 ± 900 cm−2) as in sunflower (1600 cm−2) and stomatal density four times higher in sunflower (6400 ± 800 cm−2 in wheat and 22 900 cm−2 in sunflower). Suspensions of ZnO‐NPs with coatings of different hydrophobicity were applied to leaves to compare Zn absorption using X‐ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP‐MS). Absorption of Zn was similar between wheat and sunflower when Zn was applied at 1000 mg Zn l−1, but much less Zn was absorbed from all ZnO products than from soluble Zn fertiliser. Particle coating did not affect Zn absorption, but it may facilitate particle adhesion to leaves, providing a longer‐term source of resupply of Zn ions to the leaves. Differences in leaf surface characteristics did not affect Zn absorption, indicating that the cuticle is the main pathway of absorption under these conditions.