Impact of different growth stimulants on growth and biochemical parameters of wheat grown under toxic environment of Pb

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important food crops that contributed significantly to human civilization. Wheat production at the global level has increased significantly over the years. Wheat plays a vital role in Pakistan’s economy, contributing around 14% to agricultural value addition and about 3% to the national GDP. It accounts for approximately 37% of total food energy intake among the population, underscoring its importance as a dietary staple. Lead (Pb) contamination in agricultural soils poses a significant threat to crop growth and productivity. This study investigates the effects of three growth stimulants Moringa leaf extract as treatment (MLE 100, 200 mL), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs, 100 ppm, 200 ppm), and sulfocyclic acid (SCA, 100 ppm, 200 ppm) on the growth and biochemical parameters of wheat grown under Pb-stressed conditions. A controlled experiment was conducted to assess plant growth attributes, chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activity, and oxidative stress markers. Results revealed that Pb toxicity severely impaired wheat growth, reducing biomass accumulation and photosynthetic efficiency while increasing oxidative stress. However, the application of growth stimulants significantly mitigated Pb-induced stress. Among the treatments, MLE enhanced plant height and biomass, ZnO NPs improved chlorophyll content and nutrient uptake, while SCA effectively reduced oxidative damage by boosting antioxidant enzyme activity. These findings suggest that MLE, ZnO NPs, and SCA can be promising strategies for improving wheat growth and resilience under heavy metal stress. Further molecular and genetic studies will be recommended for sustainable wheat production in contaminated soils.