Cytogenetical, molecular and gene expression studies to evaluate the effects of γ-ray and ZnO nanoparticles on Vicia faba under drought stress

Cytogenetical, molecular and gene expression studies to evaluate the effects of γ-ray and ZnO nanoparticles on Vicia faba under drought stress | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Article Cytogenetical, molecular and gene expression studies to evaluate the effects of γ-ray and ZnO nanoparticles on Vicia faba under drought stress Ahmed Hassanein, Abdel Fattah Badr, Jehan Salem, Ghada El-Sayed, and 1 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-9073492/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 8 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and γ-irradiation have been individually applied to enhance drought tolerance in plants; however, their combined effects on germination, growth, genome stability, gene expression, and in vitro propagation remain insufficiently explored. In this study, seeds of Vicia faba L. cv. Giza 843 were treated with different doses of γ-irradiation (50, 100, 150, and 200 Gy) and concentrations of ZnO-NPs (25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/L), as well as with a combined treatment of the optimal γ-irradiation dose (50 Gy) and ZnO-NP concentration (50 mg/L), under both non-stress and drought stress conditions induced by 12% polyethylene glycol (PEG). Under non-stress conditions, seed priming with either γ-irradiation or ZnO-NPs, as well as their combination, significantly improved growth parameters. Under drought stress, reductions in germination, seedling growth (one week), and early vegetative growth (four weeks) were markedly alleviated, and in some cases surpassed control values, when seeds were primed with either 50 Gy γ-irradiation or 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs. The combined treatment enhanced shoot and root dry weights under non-stress conditions, although its synergistic effect was less pronounced under drought stress. Cytogenetic analysis and RAPD/ISSR markers revealed that ZnO-NP priming reduced γ-irradiation-induced chromosomal abnormalities and genetic polymorphism. ZnO-NPs and Zn(NO₃)₂ increased the expression of drought-responsive transcription factors (DREB1A, ERF1, and WRKY42) and antioxidant enzyme activities, particularly under drought stress. Additionally, low-dose γ-irradiation markedly improved in vitro shoot formation, overcoming the recalcitrance of V. faba to tissue culture. Overall, γ-irradiation and ZnO-NP priming enhance drought tolerance, genome stability, and regeneration capacity in V. faba , offering promising tools for crop improvement under water-limited conditions. Biological sciences/Biotechnology Biological sciences/Plant sciences Gamma irradiation zinc oxide nanoparticles drought stress antioxidant enzymes transcription factors tissue culture Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Introduction Abiotic stresses, particularly drought, significantly reduce crop productivity worldwide¹, as they adversely affect plant development and yield. Drought can occur at any stage of the plant life cycle; however, certain stages, such as germination and seedling development, are more sensitive than others²˒³. Under drought stress, plant water relations are disrupted, water-use efficiency and root proliferation are reduced, carbon dioxide fixation is inhibited, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is increased⁴˒⁵. Several methods have been developed to induce water stress in plants under controlled laboratory conditions. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is frequently used to simulate drought stress because it is a water-soluble, non-ionic polymer that does not penetrate plant cells or seeds⁶. PEG has been successfully applied to evaluate drought tolerance in plants, particularly during germination and early seedling growth, under both laboratory and open-field conditions⁷˒⁸. Importantly, PEG induces water stress without exerting direct toxic effects on plant tissues⁹. Micronutrients, particularly zinc, play a crucial role in improving stress tolerance and supporting essential plant processes such as seed germination, enzyme activation, protein synthesis, chlorophyll formation, and growth regulation¹⁰. Zinc can be supplied in ionic form, such as zinc nitrate (Zn(NO₃)₂), or as zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs)¹¹-¹³. Depending on the applied concentration, ZnO-NPs have been reported to enhance seed germination and seedling growth under stress conditions in several plant species¹⁴-¹⁶. Exposure of seeds, seedlings, or plant tissues to gamma irradiation (γ-irradiation) has been shown to enhance plant tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stresses¹⁷˒¹⁸, particularly when applied at low doses ranging from 50 to 100 Gray (Gy)¹⁷. Such low doses induce physiological and biochemical responses that promote plant growth and stress tolerance without causing severe genetic damage¹⁹. It has been reported that the application of low concentrations of ZnO-NPs (50 mg L⁻¹) in combination with drought stress improves plant performance compared with non-irradiated plants²⁰. Seed treatment with γ-irradiation may enhance crop productivity under stress conditions, including drought¹⁸, possibly through increased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)²¹. In contrast, higher doses of γ-irradiation may induce beneficial mutations associated with improved productivity and stress tolerance²². Breeding progress in faba bean remains limited, and the development of new cultivars can require up to 15 years. Consequently, faba bean improvement could benefit from modern breeding technologies such as gene transfer. However, faba bean is considered recalcitrant to tissue culture regeneration, and genetic transformation has rarely been successful²³. The source of explants is a critical factor influencing tissue culture efficiency and transformation success in faba bean²⁴-²⁶. γ-Irradiation has been reported to enhance in vitro regeneration and cloning, particularly in recalcitrant varieties, while having limited effects on responsive genotypes²⁷. Application of γ-radiation doses ranging from 150 to 200 Gy has stimulated plant regeneration in some species²⁸, whereas lower doses have increased sprout frequency, shoot number, and plantlet length in cultured calli²⁹. Similarly, regeneration of blackberry plantlets was significantly enhanced by low γ-irradiation doses of 20 and 40 Gy³⁰. Different plant species, varieties, and tissues exhibit variable sensitivity to γ-irradiation³¹ , ³². The stimulatory effects of low-dose γ-irradiation on shoot differentiation and growth may be attributed to modifications in hormonal signaling pathways that enhance cellular antioxidant capacity³³. Transcription factors (TFs) are regulatory proteins that control gene expression by activating or repressing target genes. Important TF families involved in drought responses include dehydration-responsive element-binding proteins (DREB), WRKY proteins, and ethylene-responsive element-binding factors (ERF)³⁴. Overexpression of WRKY TFs has been shown to alleviate drought stress by reducing ion and water loss and limiting ROS accumulation. ERF proteins are divided into two subfamilies: the ethylene-responsive group (ERF) and the dehydration-responsive element-binding protein group (DREB)³⁵ , ³⁶. In soybean, DREB1 confers drought tolerance by enhancing photosynthesis and osmotic adjustment³⁷. ERFs also regulate drought-responsive genes involved in osmolyte production and ROS scavenging, thereby improving drought tolerance³⁸. Enhanced ROS scavenging mediated by ERFs is associated with increased activities of CAT³⁹, SOD, and peroxidase (POX)⁴⁰. Cytogenetic analysis, molecular marker techniques, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis have been widely used to investigate genetic effects induced by environmental and chemical treatments⁴¹ , ⁴². Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers have been successfully applied to characterize genetic variation resulting from γ-irradiation in plant seeds⁴³ , ⁴⁴. The faba bean cultivar Giza 843 is highly adaptable and has demonstrated reliable yield performance⁴⁵. It is recognized as a drought-tolerant cultivar compared to other cultivars⁴⁶ , ⁴⁷ and has also shown tolerance to salinity⁴⁸ and aluminum contamination⁴⁹. Therefore, this cultivar represents an ideal candidate for improving drought tolerance and ensuring sustainable plant protein production under future climate change scenarios. Although numerous studies have reported positive effects of low concentrations of nanoparticles or low doses of γ-irradiation on drought-stressed plants, investigations addressing the combined effects of drought stress, nanoparticles, and γ-irradiation remain scarce. Accordingly, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of γ-irradiation and ZnO-NPs on seed germination, plant growth, and genome stability of faba bean under drought stress using cytogenetic analysis, molecular markers (RAPD and ISSR), and drought-responsive transcription factors (DREB, ERF, and WRKY). In addition, given the importance of tissue culture in plant improvement program, this study also examined the effect of γ-irradiation on the in vitro regeneration capacity of faba bean. Results Preliminary studies Preliminary experiments conducted on Vicia faba cv. Giza 843 showed that the germination percentage remained high (95%) at polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations up to 12%, but then declined sharply, reaching a minimum value of 30% at 23% PEG. In contrast, seedling growth was significantly reduced when seeds were germinated under water stress conditions induced by 12% PEG. This reduction was reflected in decreases in plumule and radicle lengths, fresh and dry weights of both plumule and root, as well as seedling water content. Compared with the control, the reductions in these parameters were 57.2%, 18.5%, 67.9%, 40.7%, 25.0%, 7.2%, and 6.5%, respectively. Consequently, to induce drought stress in all subsequent experiments, 12% PEG was used. Effect of seed soaking in Zn(NO₃)₂ and ZnO NPs under non-stressed and stressed conditions on germination and seedling growth To determine the optimum seed-soaking period for improving germination and seedling growth under non-stress conditions, a moderate concentration of ZnO nanoparticles (50 mg/L) was used. The results showed that soaking seeds for 8 hrs was the most effective treatment, as it resulted in the highest germination percentage and the highest improvement in all recorded seedling growth parameters (Table 2 ). Table 1 Oligonucleotide primer sequences used for quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. Gene Name Sequence Tm (0 C) WRKY42 F 5'- GAAGATGGATATAACTGGAGA − 3’ 58 0 C R 5'- GTCCATGTCCTAGAGAGAC-3’ DREB1A F 5ʹ-TCTGATGCCAAGGATGAGTT-3ʹ R 5ʹ-GTGCTCCTCATGGGTACTTC-3ʹ ERF1 5ʹ-CTCGATCCATTCCCTGGTGG-3ʹ 5ʹ-AAGGCTTTGGACTGGGAAGG-3ʹ β-Actin F 5´-GTGCCCATTTACGAAGGATA- 3´ R 5´-GAAGACTCCATGCCGATCAT- 3´ GAPDH F 5´- TTGGTTTCCACTGACTTCGTT − 3´ R 5´-CTGTAGCCCCACTCGTTGT − 3´ Table 2 Effect of seed soaking periods in 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs on seed germination and seedling growth of faba bean cv. Giza 843 for one week. Time interval (hrs) Seed Germination frequency (%) Radicle length (cm) Plumule length (cm) Radicle F.W. (g) Plumule F.W. (g) Radicle D.W. (g) Plumule D.W. (g) 8 in H 2 O 100 1.07 ± 0.12 0.80 ± 0.17 0.07 ± 0.016 0.030 ± 0.009 0.008 ± 0.016 0.006 ± 0.001 8 in ZnO-NPs 100 1.93 ± 0.12* 1.27 ± 0.06* 0.12 ± 0.018 0.045 ± 0.011 0.014 ± 0.003 0.008 ± 0.005 12 in ZnO-NPs 96 1.13 ± 0.12 1.13 ± 0.12* 0.08 ± 0.046 0.040 ± 0.012 0.010 ± 0.004 0.007 ± 0.002 24 in ZnO-NPs 90 0.97 ± 0.06 0.60 ± 0.10 0.05 ± 0.026 0.035 ± 0.016 0.008 ± 0.004 0.005 ± 0.002 48 in ZnO-NPs 86.7 0.57 ± 0.06* 0.47 ± 0.06* 0.03 ± 0.029 0.003 ± 0.004 0.006 ± 0.002 0.002 ± 0.001 Values are means of three replicates ± standard deviation (SD). Statistical significance of differences compared to control:*significant at P < 0.05. Under non-stress conditions, the effect of seed soaking for 8 hrs in different concentrations of Zn(NO₃)₂ (Table 3 ) and ZnO nanoparticles (Table 4 ) on seed germination and seedling growth of Vicia faba cv. Giza 843 indicated that the application of zinc at 50 mg/L, either in ionic form (Zn(NO₃)₂) or nanoparticle form (ZnO NPs), significantly enhanced seedling growth compared with the control. Table 3 Effect of seed soaking for 8 hours in different concentrations of Zn(NO 3 ) 2 .6H 2 O on seed germination and seedling growth of faba bean cv. Giza 843 for one week under non-stressed conditions. Zn(NO 3 ) 2 .6H 2 O Conc. (mg/L) Seed Germination frequency (%) Radicle length (cm) Plumule length (cm) Radicle F.W. (g) Plumule F.W. (g) Radicle D.W. (g) Plumule D.W. (g) Control (H 2 O) 100 2.17 ± 0.15 1.9 ± 0.12 0.20 ± 0.02 0.097 ± 0.008 0.019 ± 0.001 0.009 ± 0.0004 25 100 1.43 ± 0.12* 1.4 ± 0.17 0.11 ± 0.02* 0.065 ± 0.001* 0.015 ± 0.002* 0.009 ± 0.0013 50 100 2.83 ± 0.29* 2.5 ± 0.50 0.22 ± 0.02 0.128 ± 0.007* 0.023 ± 0.003 0.013 ± 0.0010 100 80 1.40 ± 0.10* 1.3 ± 0.10* 0.10 ± 0.02* 0.097 ± 0.003 0.013 ± 0.001* 0.012 ± 0.0020 200 80 1.50 ± 0.10* 1.7 ± 0.20 0.17 ± 0.02 0.126 ± 0.012* 0.018 ± 0.001 0.012 ± 0.0004 Values are means of three replicates ± SD. Statistical significance of differences compared to control:*significant at P < 0.05 Table 4 Effect of seed soaking for 8 hours in different concentrations of ZnO-NPs on seed germination and seedling growth of faba bean cv. Giza 843 for one week under non-stressed conditions. ZnO-NPs Conc. (mg /l) Seed Germination Frequency (%) Radicle length (cm) Plumule length (cm) Radicle F.W. (g) Plumule F.W. (g) Radicle D.W. (g) Plumule D.W. (g) Cont. (H 2 o) 100 2.17 ± 0.15 1.93 ± 0.12 0.199 ± 0.018 0.097 ± 0.008 0.019 ± 0.0006 0.009 ± 0.0004 25 100 1.17 ± 0.15* 1.43 ± 0.06* 0.084 ± 0.015* 0.099 ± 0.002 0.009 ± 0.0013* 0.01 ± 0.0003 50 100 2.93 ± 0.12* 2.6 ± 0.36* 0.25 ± 0.020* 0.16 ± 0.008* 0.025 ± 0.0006* 0.019 ± 0.0015* 100 80 1.6 ± 0.10* 1.4 ± 0.10* 0.15 ± 0.012* 0.099 ± 0.0017 0.02 ± 0.0017 0.014 ± 0.0017* 200 70 1.4 ± 0.10* 1 ± 0.00* 0.074 ± 0.012* 0.043 ± 0.006* 0.007 ± 0.0015* 0.005 ± 0.001* Values are means of three replicates ± SD. Statistical significance of differences compared to control: * Significant at P < 0.05 Under stress conditions induced by 12% PEG, seed germination percentage declined to 95% compared with the control; however, germination was fully restored to 100% when seeds were soaked for 8 hrs in 100 mg/L Zn(NO₃)₂ (Table 5 ). Similarly, 100% germination was recorded when seeds were soaked in 50 mg/L ZnO nanoparticles under the same stress conditions (Table 6 ). The decrease in seedling growth parameters under the influence of 12% PEG was overcomed when the seeds were soaked in 100 mg/l Zn(NO₃)₂ or 50 mg/L ZnO NPs, the growth parameter values ​​of those seedlings surpassed the values ​​recorded for plants not exposed to water stress (control). Table 5 The extent to which seed germination and seedling growth of faba bean cv. Giza 843 were affected by seed soaking in water or in Zn(NO 3 ) 2 .6H 2 O for 8 hours each under stressed conditions (12% PEG) for one week. Soaking solution Germination medium Seed Germination frequency (%) Radicle length (cm) Plumule length (cm) Seedling F.W. (g) Seedling D.W. (g) W.C. (%) Dist. H 2 O Dist. H 2 O 100 3.13 ± 0.12 2.07 ± 0.12 0.400 ± 0.095 0.043 ± 0.003 89.0 Dist. H 2 O 12% PEG 95 2.53 ± 0.25 1.37 ± 0.12* 0.197 ± 0.020* 0.040 ± 0.003 79.8 50 mg/l Zn (NO 3 ) 2 Dist. H 2 O 100 2.70 ± 0.27 2.67 ± 0.29* 0.320 ± 0.020 0.027 ± 0.001* 91.6 100 mg/l Zn (NO 3 ) 2 Dist. H 2 O 100 1.33 ± 0.06* 1.26 ± 0.05* 0.200 ± 0.018* 0.018 ± 0.001* 91.0 50 mg/l Zn (NO 3 ) 2 12% PEG 97 1.67 ± 0.06* 1.07 ± 0.12* 0.216 ± 0.002* 0.019 ± 0.001* 91.2 100 mg/l Zn (NO 3 ) 2 12% PEG 100 5.33 ± 0.6* 1.90 ± 0.17 0.450 ± 0.095 0.046 ± 0.008* 85.3 Values are means of three replicates ± SD. Statistical significance of differences compared to control: * Significant at P < 0.05 Table 6 The extent to which seed germination and seedling growth of faba bean cv. Giza 843 were affected by seed soaking in water or in ZnO-NPs for 8 hours under stressed conditions (12% PEG) for one week. Soaking solution Germination medium Seed Germination frequency (%) Radicle length (cm) Plumule length (cm) Seedling F.W. (g) Seedling D.W. (g) W.C. (%) Dist. H 2 O Dist. H 2 O 100 3.13 ± 0.12 2.07 ± 0.12 0.40 ± 0.095 0.043 ± 0.003 89.0 Dist. H 2 O 12% PEG 95 2.53 ± 0.25* 1.37 ± 0.12* 0.20 ± 0.020 0.040 ± 0.003 79.8 50 mg/l ZnO-NPs Dist. H 2 O 100 4.00 ± 0.20* 2.73 ± 0.25* 0.46 ± 0.051 0.046 ± 0.013 90.0 100 mg/l ZnO-NPs Dist. H 2 O 97 2.37 ± 0.12 1.73 ± 0.25 0.41 ± 0.172 0.045 ± 0.017 89.3 50 mg/ ZnO-NPs 12% PEG 100 3.47 ± 0.15* 1.47 ± 0.06* 0.46 ± 0.038 0.046 ± 0.004 89.9 100 mg/l ZnO-NPs 12% PEG 96 1.37 ± 0.12* 1.1 ± 0.10* 0.16 ± 0.023 0.027 ± 0.003 83.0 Values are means of three replicates ± standard deviation (SD). Statistical significance of differences compared to control: * Significant at P < 0.05 Seedling water content decreased markedly to 79.8% when seeds were germinated in 12% polyethylene glycol, but this reduction was alleviated by seed soaking treatments. Water content increased to 85.3% and 89.9% when seeds were soaked in 100 mg/L Zn(NO₃)₂ or 50 mg/L ZnO NPs, respectively. Effect of different doses of γ-irradiation alone or in combination with two selected ZnO-NPs concentrations on seed germination and seedling growth under stressed or non-stressed conditions Under non-stress conditions, seed germination was not significantly affected by exposure to low doses of γ-irradiation (50 and 100 Gy), with germination percentages remaining comparable to the control (Table 7 ). However, exposure to higher doses (150 and 200 Gy) resulted in a marked reduction in germination percentage. Seed soaking in ZnO nanoparticles at concentrations of 50 or 100 mg/L improved germination percentage across all irradiation doses, indicating a stimulatory effect of ZnO nanoparticles under non-stress conditions. Regarding seedling growth under non-stress conditions (Tables 7 ), seeds exposed to the lowest γ-irradiation dose (50 Gy) showed an increase in radicle length and a significant increase in plumule length, as well as in fresh and dry weights, compared with the control. In contrast, higher γ-irradiation doses (100, 150, and 200 Gy) caused progressive reductions in all measured growth parameters. The beneficial effect of ZnO NPs was insufficient to overcome the inhibitory effects of higher irradiation doses. In addition, decline in seed germination percentage and seedling growth parameters under drought stress induced by 12% PEG were avoided when seeds were subjected to 50 Gy γ-irradiation (Table 8 ). In contrast, higher γ-irradiation doses (100 and 150 Gy) exerted higher reduction in seed germination percentages and seedling growth parameters than those subjected to 12% PEG only. Table 7 Effect of different doses of γ-irradiation with or without 50 or 100 mg/L ZnO NPs concentration on seed germination and seedling growth of faba bean cv. Giza 843 for one week under non-stressed conditions. γ Ray dose (Gy) Soaking solution Seed Ger. Freq. (%) Radicle length (cm) Plumule length (cm) Radicle F.W. (g) Plumule F.W. (g) Radicle D.W. (g) Plumule D.W. (g) Cont. (0) Dist. H 2 O 100 2.33 ± 0.29 1.57 ± 0.06 0.12 ± 0.01 0.12 ± 0.04 0.013 ± 0.001 0.016 ± 0.005 50 Dist. H 2 O 100 2.50 ± 0.63 2.50 ± 0.20* 0.19 ± 0.08 0.19 ± 0.04 0.015 ± 0.065 0.018 ± 0.003 100 Dist. H 2 O 100 1.93 ± 0.20 1.37 ± 0.15 0.10 ± 0.01 0.05 ± 0.01 0.019 ± 0.009 0.014 ± 0.006 150 Dist. H 2 O 83.33 1.83 ± 0.15 1.63 ± 0.12 0.15 ± 0.06 0.16 ± 0.04 0.016 ± 0.007 0.017 ± 0.005 200 Dist. H 2 O 83.33 1.77 ± 0.20 1.50 ± 0.20 0.12 ± 0.03 0.18 ± 0.01 0.014 ± 0.002 0.021 ± 0.003 50 50 mg/l ZnO NPs 100 2.70 ± 0.35 2.30 ± 0.27* 0.20 ± 0.04 0.20 ± 0.05 0.019 ± 0.003 0.018 ± 0.006 100 50 mg/l ZnO NPs 100 1.57 ± 0.12 1.37 ± 0.12 0.09 ± 0.03 0.07 ± 0.02 0.011 ± 0.004 0.009 ± 0.001 150 50 mg/l ZnO NPs 91.70 2.17 ± 0.15 1.97 ± 0.06 0.16 ± 0.04 0.18 ± 0.05 0.018 ± 0.008 0.022 ± 0.005 200 50 mg/l ZnO NPs 91.70 1.73 ± 0.25 1.47 ± 0.15 0.09 ± 0.02 0.08 ± 0.02 0.010 ± 0.003 0.009 ± 0.002 50 100 mg/l ZnO NPs 91.70 2.03 ± 0.25 1.50 ± 0.20 0.09 ± 0.02 0.10 ± 0.05 0.011 ± 0.000 0.013 ± 0.007 100 100 mg/l ZnO NPs 100.0 2.50 ± 0.15 1.80 ± 0.20 0.14 ± 0.03 0.18 ± 0.03 0.013 ± 0.004 0.016 ± 0.003 150 100 mg/l ZnO NPs 91.70 1.83 ± 0.15 1.57 ± 0.12 0.17 ± 0.04 0.07 ± 0.00 0.020 ± 0.007 0.009 ± 0.001 200 100 mg/l ZnO NPs 91.70 2.33 ± 0.29 1.43 ± 0.23 0.15 ± 0.05 0.14 ± 0.02 0.014 ± 0.004 0.014 ± 0.004 Values are means of three replicates ± standard deviation (SD). Statistical significance of differences compared to control:* Significant at P < 0.05. Table 8 Effect of γ-irradiation doses on seed germination and seedling growth of faba bean cv. Giza 843 under the influence of drought stress induced by 12% PEG for one week. γ Ray dose (Gy) Seed Germination frequency (%) Radicle length (cm) Plumule length (cm) Seedling F.W. (g) Seedling D.W. (g) Cont. (0) 92.0 2.3 ± 0.25 1.37 ± 0.12 0.20 ± 0.02 0.03 ± 0.003 50 100 2.5 ± 0.10 1.43 ± 0.12 0.24 ± 0.01* 0.04 ± 0.002* 100 88.0 1.4 ± 0.12* 1.07 ± 0.12* 0.12 ± 0.00* 0.02 ± 0.002* 150 88.0 1.2 ± 0.15* 0.80 ± 0.10* 0.10 ± 0.01* 0.01 ± 0.003* Values are means of three replicates ± standard deviation (SD). Statistical significance of differences compared to control: * Significant at P < 0.05. The effects of combination between 50 Gy and 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs on plant at the early stage of plant growth (4 weeks old) under drought stress was investigated (Table 9 ). Under these conditions, the percentage of germination of non-irradiated seeds was 88%, improved (93.3%) when seeds were irradiated with 50 GY and soaked in 50 mg/l ZnO-NPs. In addition, compared to the control, seeds irradiation with %50 Gy and soaking in the 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs increased the values of plant height, root length, root fresh and dry weights under stress- or non-stress condition. Plant growth at early stage was also affected by treating seeds with low dose of γ-irradiation (50 Gy) and/or foliar spraying with 50 mg ZnO-NPs solution (Table 10 ). The results indicate that the recorded reduction in plant vegetative growth, represented by stem and root length, as well as fresh and dry weight of roots and shoots, under the influence of 12% PEG, was avoided when the seeds were previously exposed to 50 Gy dose, or foliar sprayed with 50 mg/L ZnO- NPs, without synergistic effect of the both. Table 9 Combined effect of gamma dose (50 Gy) and seed soaking in ZnO-NPs (50 mg/l) on seed germination and plant growth of faba bean cv. Giza 843 for one month under stressed or non-stressed conditions. γ Ray dose (Gy) Seed soaking solution Growth medium Growth Freq. (%) Shoot length (cm) Root length (cm) Shoot F.W. (g) Root F.W. (g) Shoot D.W. (g) Root D.W. (g) 0 Dist. H 2 O Dist. H 2 O 100 32.7 ± 1.5 6.76 ± 0.76 2.9 ± 0.48 0.94 ± 0.13 0.23 ± 0.05 0.07 0 ± 0.01 0 Dist. H 2 O 12% PEG 88 30.5 ± 1.8 6.80 ± 0.36 2.3 ± 0.33 0.79 ± 0.19 0.18 ± 0.02 0.066 ± 0.02 0 50 mg/l ZnO-NPs 12% PEG 100 35.3 ± 2.5 12.3 ± 2.52* 2.8 ± 0.26 1.24 ± 0.26 0.22 ± 0.05 0.090 ± 0.01 50 Dist. H 2 O 12% PEG 93.3 20.5 ± 1.3* 6.76 ± 0.57 1.3 ± 0.26* 0.77 ± 0.02 0.11 ± 0.04* 0.070 ± 0.00 50 50 mg/l ZnO-NPs 12% PEG 99 35.3 ± 4.5 8.33 ± 1.53 2.6 ± 0.23 1.09 ± 0.30 0.19 ± 0.03 0.080 ± 0.02 Values are means of three replicates ± standard deviation (SD). Statistical significance of differences compared to 50 GY: * Significant at P < 0.05. Table 10 Combined effect of 50 Gy dose and foliar application of 50 mg/l ZnO NPs on plant growth of faba bean cv. Giza 843 for one month during drought stress γ Ray dose (Gy) Irrigation solution Spraying solution Shoot length (cm) Root length (cm) Shoot F.W. (g) Root F.W. (g) Shoot D.W. (g) Root D.W. (g) 0 Dist. H 2 O Dist. H 2 O 38.7 ± 2.3 4.0 ± 0.5 2.68 ± 0.03 0.44 ± 0.08 0.20 ± 0.003 0.03 ± 0.003 0 PEG 12% Dist. H 2 O 36.0 ± 2.7 5.0 ± 0.5 1.83 ± 0.10* 0.28 ± 0.02 0.18 ± 0.006 0.05 ± 0.002* 0 PEG 12% 50 mg/l ZnO-NPs 36.7 ± 1.2 6.3 ± 0.6* 2.25 ± 0.25 0.59 ± 0.01 0.19 ± 0.010 0.09 ± 0.005* 50 PEG 12% Dist. H 2 O 40.3 ± 1.5 4.2 ± 0.3 3.92 ± 0.08* 0.93 ± 0.06* 0.15 ± 0.01* 0.13 ± 0.003* 50 PEG 12% 50 mg/l ZnO-NPs 39.0 ± 1.0 4.0 ± 0.5 3.60 ± 0.36* 1.13 ± 0.15* 0.14 ± 0.01* 0.12 ± 0.015* Values are means of three replicates ± standard deviation (SD). Statistical significance of differences compared to control: * Significant at P < 0.05. Overall, the data presented in Tables 7 – 10 demonstrate that low-dose of γ-irradiation (50 Gy), particularly when combined with moderate concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles, enhances seed germination and early seedling growth under both non-stress and drought stress conditions. In contrast, higher γ-irradiation doses exert detrimental effects on germination and seedling development regardless of water availability. Effect of γ-irradiation on in vitro regeneration of faba bean The effect of different doses of gamma radiation on the in vitro regeneration capacity of cotyledonary node explants was evaluated (Table 11 ). Compared with the control, regeneration frequency gradually decreased with increasing gamma radiation dose. In contrast, the number of formed shoots increased by more than threefold when cotyledonary node explants were obtained from seeds exposed to 50 Gy. This increase was accompanied by higher numbers of nodes and leaves, as well as greater fresh weight of the regenerated shoots. Compared with the control and other gamma radiation doses, shoots derived from seeds treated with 50 Gy were free of vitrification. Overall, these results demonstrate that gamma radiation influences faba bean regeneration in a dose-dependent manner, with low doses promoting regeneration and high doses impairing regenerative potential. Table 11 Effect of different doses of gamma radiation on in vitro regeneration of faba bean cv. G843. In vitro cultured nodal segments were obtained from seedlings produced from radiated seeds and cultured for three weeks on MS medium supplemented with 4 mg/l BAP. γ Ray dose (Gy) Frequency of shoot formation (%) No. of shoots/explant Length of shoots (cm) No. of nodes/shoot No. of leaves/node F.W. /shoot cluster (g) F.W./shoot (g) 0 100 3.67 ± 0.58 4.5 ± 1 3.7 ± 0.58 4.3 ± 0.6 0.7 ± 0.30 0.16 ± 0.02 50 60 13.67 ± 1.15* 3.7 ± 1 5.3 ± 0.58* 6.0 ± 1.0* 1.2 ± 0.10* 0.10 ± 0.02* 100 40 6.67 ± 1.53 7.0 ± 1* 3.3 ± 0.58 3.7 ± 0.6 1.0 ± 0.03 0.07 ± 0.01* 150 40 11.3 ± 1.53* 5.5 ± 1 3.7 ± 0.58 4.0 ± 0.0 1.1 ± 0.12 0.05 ± 0.01* 200 20 6.30 ± 1.53 4.5 ± 1 3.0 ± 0.00 3.0 ± 0.0 0.8 ± 0.04 0.07 ± 0.01* Values are means of three replicates ± standard deviation (SD). Statistical significance of differences compared to control: *significant at P < 0.05. Cytogenetical study: Mitotic activity in root tip tissues of the faba bean cv. Giza 843 was significantly reduced when seeds were germinated in a solution containing 12% PEG, as shown in Table 12 . A significant improvement in mitotic division and mitotic index values was observed when seeds were exposed to low doses of gamma rays (50 and 100 Gy) under stress conditions; however, this enhancement was accompanied by an increase in the total frequency of chromosomal abnormalities. Under drought stress, seeds exposed to the highest gamma ray dose (200 Gy) exhibited the greatest inhibition of cell division and the lowest mitotic index values, which were associated with the highest levels of chromosomal abnormalities. Table 12 Mitotic index (MI), % of total abnormalities, % of interphase and % of mitotic phases (prophase, metaphase and ana- telophase), include normal (Total) and abnormal (Abn) mitotic phases recorded for 5000 of Vicia faba (Giza843) root tip cells under the influence of gamma radiation and ZnO-NPs during drought stress by 12% PEG. Seed treatment Germination medium Total mitosis MI Total abnormal mitotic % Interphase % Prophase % Metaphase % Ana-telophase Total Abn. Total Abn. Total Abn. Total Abn. 0 H 2 O 137 2.8 ± 0.14 00.00 ± 00 97.26 0.05 42.86 - 24.85 - 32.30 - 0 12%PEG 120 2 ± 0.35* 52.07±.01* 97.60 6.57 60.30 11.60 20.66 15.70 19.00 15.70 50 GY 12%PEG 256 5.3 ± 0.20* 54.80 ± 0.7* 96.20 9.77 51.27 16.14 25.90 20.60 22.78 18.35 100 GY 12%PEG 190 3.6 ± 0.19* 62.00 ± 0.1* 85.99 6.57 33.17 10.00 28.14 23.60 38.70 29.00 150 GY 12%PEG 108 2.15 ± 0.15* 76.68 ± 0.3* 97.84 8.82 58.33 39.80 20.37 18.85 21.29 12.78 200 GY 12%PEG 90 1.67 ± 0.15* 84.20 ± 0.7* 98.20 12.96 54.47 12.74 40.43 36.17 35.10 35.10 50 ZnO-NPs 12%PEG 394 8.8 ± 0.20* 43.00 ± 0.3* 91.39 6.07 31.70 5.79 27.55 19.68 40.74 27.80 50 GY + 50 mg/l ZnO-NPs 12%PEG 157 3.1 ± 0.10 51.67 ± 0.7* 96.86 4.03 51.60 3.00 26.70 20.50 21.10 18.60 Values are means of three replicates ± standard deviation (SD). Statistical significance of differences compared to control: * Significant at P < 0.05. The highest mitotic activity and mitotic index values were recorded in seeds that were not exposed to γ- irradiation but were soaked in 50 mg/L ZnO NPs and subsequently germinated in a 12% PEG solution. Seed soaking in 50 mg/L ZnO NPs resulted in higher mitotic activity and mitotic index values compared with the water stress control. Under drought stress, interphase frequency was not markedly affected by the application of gamma rays or ZnO NPs; however, an increase in interphase abnormalities was detected following the application of each factor individually or in combination. The relative frequencies of the different mitotic phases were influenced by gamma radiation doses and seed soaking in ZnO NPs under both stress and non-stress conditions (Table 12 ). The highest frequencies of abnormalities at prophase (39.8 at 150 GY %), metaphase (36.17%), and ana-telophase (35.10%) were recorded in seeds exposed to 200 Gy and germinated in a 12% PEG. Under drought stress conditions, the recorded decrease in total chromosomal abnormalities observed in root tips of seeds exposed to 50 Gray after seed soaking in ZnO NPs compared to seeds exposed only to gamma rays was mainly related to a decrease in chromosomal abnormalities during interphase and prophase, with no significant changes in metaphase and anaphase abnormalities. During prophase, several abnormalities were observed, including irregular chromosome appearance, micronuclei, and chromosome stickiness (Fig. 1 ). Common abnormalities at metaphase included C-metaphase, disturbed metaphase with chromosomal breaks, diagonal metaphase, and star metaphase. During ana-telophase, a high frequency of abnormalities was detected, such as chromosome stickiness, chromosomal bridges, disturbed configurations, lagging chromosomes, free chromosomes, star-shaped anaphase, and multipolar anaphase (Fig. 2 ). Molecular Markers studies ISSR (Table 13 and Fig. 3 ) analysis revealed that exposure of faba bean seeds (cv. Giza 843) to 50 Gy γ-irradiation markedly increased genetic polymorphism (64.76%) compared with non-irradiated seeds (29.73%; data not shown). Seed soaking in 50 mg/L ZnO NPs under non-stress conditions reduced this increase, resulting in a lower polymorphism value (44.12%). Under drought stress conditions, soaking seeds in 50 mg/L ZnO NPs also reduced γ-irradiation-induced polymorphism; however, the recorded value (52.78%) remained higher than that observed in non-irradiated seeds, indicating a partial protective effect. Table 13 ISSR profile generated by 15 primers using Vicia faba cv. Giza 843 seedlings germinated under non-stress conditions. Total number of amplified fragments (Tb), polymorphic bands (Pb), monomorphic bands (Mb), unique bands (Ub), and percentage of polymorphism (PP) were determined. Primer 50 Gy 50 Gy and 50 mg/l ZnONPs 50 Gy, 50 mg/l ZnONPs and 12% PEG Tb Pb Mb Ub Pp% Tb Pb Mb Ub Pp% Tb Pb Mb Ub Pp% HB-10 10 6 1 3 90.00 8 2 3 3 62.50 8 2 4 2 50.00 HB-15 6 2 4 0 33.33 8 2 4 2 50.00 9 2 5 2 44.44 ISSR-1 10 3 4 3 60.00 6 2 4 0 33.33 6 2 4 0 33.33 ISSR-2 7 5 0 2 100.00 6 4 1 1 83.33 7 4 2 1 71.43 UBC-808 7 4 3 0 57.14 8 1 7 0 12.50 7 4 3 0 57.14 UBC-811 7 5 2 0 71.43 7 3 3 1 57.14 7 3 3 1 57.14 UBC-817 6 3 3 0 50.00 6 2 4 0 33.33 6 4 2 0 66.67 807 7 4 3 0 57.14 5 1 4 0 20.00 10 8 2 0 80.00 834 6 2 4 0 33.33 6 1 4 1 33.33 6 2 4 0 33.33 835 6 2 4 0 33.33 8 4 3 1 62.50 8 3 4 1 50.00 841 6 3 2 1 66.67 5 1 4 0 20.00 6 1 5 0 16.67 844-A 9 6 2 1 77.78 8 5 2 1 75.00 7 3 3 1 57.14 844-B 6 4 1 1 83.33 6 3 3 0 50.00 7 2 5 0 28.57 876 5 3 2 0 60.00 7 2 4 1 42.86 5 5 0 0 100.0 899 7 5 2 0 71.43 8 1 7 0 12.50 9 4 5 0 44.44 Total 105 57 37 11 64.76 102 34 57 11 44.12 108 49 51 8 52.78 RAPD analysis (Table 14 and Fig. 4 ) showed a similar response pattern. Polymorphism values of 55.45%, 42.70%, and 46.46% were recorded for seeds treated with 50 Gy alone, 50 Gy combined with 50 mg/L ZnO NPs, and the combined treatment under drought stress, respectively. Although ISSR markers consistently detected higher levels of polymorphism than RAPD markers, both techniques exhibited comparable trends in genetic variation in response to γ-irradiation, 50 mg/l ZnO NPs, and drought stress of 12% PEG. Table 14 RAPD profile generated by 15 primers using Vicia faba cv. Giza 843 seedlings germinated under non-stress conditions. Total number of amplified fragments (Tb), polymorphic bands (Pb), monomorphic bands (Mb) and unique bands (Ub), and percentage of polymorphism (PP) were determined. Primer 50 Gy 50 Gy and 50 mg/l ZnONPs 50 Gy, 50 mg/l ZnONPs and 12% PEG Tb Pp Mb Ub Pp% Tb Pb Mb Un Pp% Tb Pb Mb Ub Pp% OPA-01 8 1 6 1 25 8 0 7 1 12.50 7 0 7 0 0 OPA-02 6 2 4 0 33.33 5 0 4 1 20.00 7 3 4 0 42.86 0PA-03 7 2 4 1 42.86 7 2 5 0 28.57 6 0 5 1 16.67 OPA-04 5 1 3 1 40.00 5 1 4 0 20.00 4 0 4 0 0.000 OPA-05 6 4 2 0 66.67 8 4 4 0 50.00 7 2 5 0 28.57 OPA-06 6 2 3 1 50.00 4 1 2 1 50.00 5 3 1 1 80.00 OPA-07 9 5 2 0 55.56 7 3 4 0 42.86 7 6 1 0 85.70 OPA-12 9 6 3 0 66.67 9 4 5 0 44.44 8 4 4 0 50.00 OPA-13 5 4 1 0 80.00 5 0 4 1 20.00 4 0 4 0 0.000 OPA-14 5 0 5 0 0.000 5 0 5 0 0.000 7 1 5 1 28.57 OPA-15 4 1 3 0 25.00 5 0 4 1 20.00 5 1 4 0 20.00 OPA-16 11 8 2 1 81.80 13 9 3 1 76.92 12 7 4 1 66.67 OPC-10 6 3 2 1 66.67 3 2 1 0 66.67 5 4 1 0 80.00 OPC-17 9 6 1 2 88.89 8 6 1 1 87.5 11 7 3 1 72.70 OPV-03 5 3 2 0 60.00 4 2 2 0 50.00 4 3 1 0 75.00 Total 101 48 43 8 55.45 96 34 55 7 42.7 99 41 53 5 46.46 These molecular marker results are consistent with the cytogenetical findings and the expression patterns of drought-responsive genes, collectively indicating that low-dose of γ-irradiation enhances genetic variability, while 50 mg/L ZnO NPs contribute to maintaining genome stability without inducing severe genetic mutations. qRT-PCR and antioxidant antienzymes analysis: Under non-stressful conditions, the relative expression levels of the transcription factor genes WRKY42, DREB1A, and ERF1 in seedlings were 0.96, 1.00, and 1.02, respectively. Gene expression levels increased slightly when seeds were soaked in a 50 mg/L zinc nitrate solution, reaching 1.30, 1.17, and 1.22 times, respectively. Further increase in these values were detected when seeds were soaked in 50 mg/L zinc oxide nanoparticles, reaching 1.56, 1.31, and 1.4 times for WRKY42, DREB1A, and ERF1, respectively. Drought stress of 12% PEG resulted in a significant increase in the expression of these genes, with expression levels rising to 4.13, 6.21, and 2.89 times for WRKY42, DREB1A, and ERF1, respectively. An additional increase in transcription factor gene expression was observed when seeds were soaked in Zn(NO 3 ) 2 or ZnO NPs and subsequently germinated in a solution containing 12% polyethylene glycol. Notably, the induction of WRKY42, DREB1A, and ERF1 expression was consistently higher in seedlings derived from ZnO NPs -treated seeds than in those treated with Zn(NO 3 ) 2 . Hierarchical clustering analysis and heat map visualization clearly separated the treatments into two main clusters: one comprising seedlings grown under non-stress conditions, and a second cluster representing seedlings exposed to drought stress (Fig. 5 ). The latter cluster was further subdivided into seedlings subjected to polyethylene glycol alone and those derived from seeds pre-soaked in zinc nitrate or zinc oxide nanoparticles prior to drought stress. Among the analyzed transcription factor genes, WRKY42 exhibited the highest level of induction, followed by DREB1A and ERF1. Table 15 Gene expression levels of WRKY42, DREB1A, and ERF1 transcription factor genes in Vicia faba seedlings under the specified treatments Soaking solution Germination medium WRKY42 (Fold Change) DREB1A (Fold Change) ERF1 (Fold Change) Dist. H 2 O (Control) Dist. H 2 O (Control) 0.96 1.00 1.02 Dist. H 2 O (Control) 12% PEG 4.13 6.21 2.89 50 mg/l Zn (NO 3 ) 2 Dist. H 2 O (Control) 1.30 1.17 1.22 50 mg/l ZnO-NPs Dist. H 2 O (Control) 1.56 1.31 1.40 50 mg/l Zn (NO 3 ) 2 12% PEG 5.36 4.91 4.56 50 mg/l ZnO-NPs 12% PEG 7.07 6.46 6.25 The expression patterns of the antioxidant enzyme-related genes SOD, POX, and CAT followed trends similar to those observed for the transcription factor genes (Table 16 ). Application of ZnO NPs or Zn(NO 3 ) 2 , in combination with drought stress, markedly enhanced the activity of these enzymes under both stress and non-stress conditions. Table 16 SOD, POX and CAT activities (U g¹ FW for POX, mM NBT min −¹ g − ¹ FW for SOD U g − ¹ FW for CAT) and their relative (rel.) activities (%) for Vicia faba seedlings under the specified treatments. Soaking solution Germination medium SOD SOD Rel. Activity (%) POX POX Rel. Activity (%) CAT CAT Rel. Activity (%) Dist. H 2 O (Control) Dist. H 2 O 1.0 ± 0.10 100.0 0.5 ± 0.02 100.0 4.36 ± 0.04 100.0 Dist. H 2 O (Control) 12% PEG 2.5 ± 0.05* 250.0 1.1 ± 0.03* 220.0 7.68 ± 0.03* 175.7 50 mg/l Zn (NO3)2 Dist. H 2 O 1.5 ± 0.03* 150.0 0.7 ± 0.04* 140.0 6.17 ± 0.04* 141.6 50 mg/l ZnO-NPs Dist. H 2 O 1.8 ± 0.04* 180.0 0.9 ± 0.04* 170.0 6.67 ± 0.03* 153.0 50 mg/l Zn (NO3)2 12% PEG 3.2 ± 0.06* 320.0 1.4 ± 0.04* 280.0 7.15 ± 0.03* 164.0 50 mg/l ZnO-NPs 12% PEG 3.8 ± 0.04* 380.0 1.8 ± 0.03* 350.0 6.85 ± 0.02* 157.1 Values are means of three replicates ± standard deviation (SD). Statistical significance of differences compared to control: *Significant at P < 0.05 Discussion As a consequence of climate change, many countries worldwide are experiencing increasing water scarcity, which adversely affects food security at both national and global levels. Therefore, researchers have been compelled to adopt scientific strategies aimed at maintaining or enhancing plant productivity while reducing water consumption. One such strategy involves identifying moderate drought-tolerant cultivars and improving their capacity to withstand water deficit, particularly in species known to exhibit limited drought tolerance, such as faba beans 46 . Previous studies have reported considerable variation in drought tolerance among different faba bean genotypes 50 . Preliminary Experiments: Plant sensitivity to abiotic stress is generally highest during the germination and early seedling stages 51 . Accordingly, the seedling stage used in the present study, as well as in other investigations, represents a critical developmental phase for evaluating a plant species’ tolerance to water deficit 52 . In this context, the application of a moderate PEG concentration, such as 12%, was appropriate for the objectives of this study and has been recommended by other researchers for inducing controlled drought stress conditions 53 . The preliminary experiments conducted in the present study demonstrated that faba bean cv. Giza 843 exhibits a relatively moderate level of drought tolerance, as reflected by a germination percentage of 95% under 12% PEG. However, seedling growth parameters were significantly reduced under these conditions. The inhibitory effect of PEG on both seed germination and seedling growth became more pronounced when PEG concentrations exceeded 12%. Compared with other faba bean cultivars, Giza 843 has been classified as relatively moderate drought tolerant 54 , 46 . Water limitation induced by 12% PEG may reduce water availability required for reserve mobilization from the seed storage tissues to the embryo. In addition, PEG-impaired synthesis of hormone and enzyme, leading to reduced seed germination and seedling growth 55 – 59 . Furthermore, the reduction in seedling growth of cv. Giza 843 under 12% PEG stress may be attributed to the observed decrease in seedling water content (Tables 5 and 6 ) and mitotic activity (Table 12 ), as previously reported 54 . To mitigate the decline in seedling growth of cv. Giza 843 under drought stress, seeds were pretreated prior to germination. Seed soaking, a common seed priming technique was employed with the aim of inducing physiological modifications that could synchronize germination and improve seedling performance under unfavorable environmental conditions (Table 2 ). However, there is still limited understanding of the mechanisms by which priming, particularly nano-priming using ZnO-NPs, influences seed germination and early growth under both non-stress and stress conditions 60 . Accordingly, a moderate concentration of ZnO-NPs (50 mg L⁻¹), as recommended by Zhao et al. 61 (2025), was used as a priming agent for different soaking durations. The most favorable results in terms of germination percentage and seedling growth parameters were obtained when seeds were soaked in 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs for 8 h (Table 2 ). Several advantages of seed priming have been reported in faba bean cv. Giza 843 and other plant species, including enhanced germination rate, improved seedling establishment, efficient water utilization 62 , promoted root growth and early plant vigor 63 . Effect of seed priming in Zn(NO₃)₂ or ZnO-NPs under non-stress or stress condition Seed priming can be performed using various agents. However, significant research gaps remain regarding the most effective sources and concentrations of these agents for improving stress tolerance 64 . Moreover, there is still limited understanding of how nano-priming influences seed germination and early seedling growth in faba beans and other plant species under both non-stress and stress conditions 60 . Under non-stress conditions, seed priming for 8 hours with 50 mg/L of either Zn(NO₃)₂ or ZnO-NPs resulted in 100% germination and significantly improved seedling growth parameters compared with the control. El-Temsah & Joner 65 reported that seeds presoaked in nanoparticles for 8 hours and subsequently germinated under non-stress conditions exhibited minimal toxic effects on germination. The observed increase in germination and seedling growth following Zn application may be attributed to the role of zinc as an activator in the biosynthesis of tryptophan, a precursor involved in auxin biosynthesis 66 , leading to efficient crop establishment 63 . Under stress conditions, seed soaking in 100 mg/L Zn(NO₃)₂ or 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs not only mitigated the reduction in seedling growth parameters caused by germination in 12% PEG solution but also enhanced these parameters beyond control levels (Tables 5 and 6 ). In several plant species, the application of moderate concentrations of ZnO-NPs or Zn(NO₃)₂ (10–100 mg/L) significantly increased seed germination and seedling growth compared with controls 67 – 69 , 61 . The present findings also revealed a significant reduction in seedling water content under drought stress; however, zinc application markedly increased water content, consistent with previous reports 69 , 70 . Seed soaking in 100 mg/L Zn(NO₃)₂ resulted in a greater increase in seedling water content than soaking in 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs. Zinc, whether supplied as Zn(NO₃)₂ or ZnO-NPs, alleviated drought stress by improving plant water relations, enhancing photosynthetic efficiency, activating antioxidant defense systems, stabilizing cell membranes, and promoting osmolyte accumulation 71 . Collectively, these effects improved water use efficiency and, consequently, plant growth under drought conditions 72 . Enhancement of growth parameters observed in cv. Giza 843 seedlings under 12% PEG stress following Zn(NO₃)₂ or ZnO-NP priming may be explained by the upregulation of drought-responsive transcription factors (Table 15 ) and antioxidant enzymes (Table 16 ). In addition, Zn-priming stimulated the biosynthesis of plant hormones (gibberellins and auxins), thereby promoting root and shoot elongation, increasing fresh and dry biomass, and reducing the deleterious effects of water deficit 11 , 73 , 74 , 60 . The results indicate that priming with 100 mg/L Zn(NO₃)₂ was more effective than 50 mg L⁻¹ ZnO-NPs in enhancing drought tolerance of faba bean cv. Giza 843. Although ZnO-NPs possess a high capacity to penetrate the seed coat 75 and contribute to the synthesis of essential components required for plant growth 76 , Zn(NO₃)₂ provides two essential ions, Zn²⁺ and NO₃⁻, both of which play critical roles in plant nutrition, metabolism, and growth regulation. Effect of γ-irradiation and ZnO-NPs combination on seed germination and seedling growth under non-stress or stress condition In the present study, γ-irradiation was employed due to ease of application, deep penetration capacity, and reproducibility, as well as its reported ability to improve drought stress tolerance 77 , 18 . Under non-stress conditions and relative to the control (Table 7 ), seed germination of cv. Giza 843 was not affected by exposure to low doses of γ-irradiation (50 or 100 Gy), as germination frequency remained at 100%. Under these conditions, seedling exposed to 50 Gy exhibited enhanced radicle and plumule lengths as well as increased fresh and dry weights of both organs, consistent with previous reports 78 . Consistent with the present findings, Al Sayed et al. 44 reported that exposure to 50 Gy significantly enhanced vegetative growth during early developmental stages. In contrast, higher doses (150 or 200 Gy) resulted in a marked reduction in germination percentage to 83.33%, and negatively affected seedling growth parameters, possibly due to excessive production of ROS, which can impair cellular metabolism 79 , 80 . The effects of gamma ray doses on seeds may be related to DNA repair mechanisms following water absorption 81 , where the efficiency of repair depends on the radiation dose. Accordingly, effective repair is more likely at relatively low doses (e.g., 50 Gy), while high doses (e.g., 200 Gy) may cause irreversible damage, leading to increased chromosomal abnormalities (Table 12 ). Under non-stress conditions, seedling growth parameters were significantly improved using 50 Gy. Further enhancement of growth parameters was observed when γ-irradiated seeds were soaked in a moderate concentration of ZnO-NPs (50 mg/L). However, ZnO-NP priming failed to alleviate the detrimental effects associated with the application of high γ-irradiation doses (200 Gy). It is noteworthy that DNA repair processes may themselves introduce chromosomal abnormalities when repair capacity is exceeded 82 , a phenomenon detectable through cytogenetic, molecular marker, and gene expression analyses (Tables 12 – 16 ). Under drought stress, exposure to a low γ-irradiation dose (50 Gy) enhanced plant resilience to moderate drought stress, without inducing severe genetic damage 17 , 19 , 18 . Consequently, seeds exposed to 50 Gy exhibited superior germination and seedling growth compared with non-irradiated plants under stress conditions (Table 8 ), in agreement with previous studies 20 . High doses of gamma rays (100–150 Gray) combined with insufficient water absorption during germination due to the presence of 12% PEG led to insufficient repair of chromosomal damage, resulting in reduced plant metabolism and consequently seedling growth parameters 83 . Seed exposure to a 50 Gy didn’t improve seed germination and seedling growth (one week), but rather improved growth in the early stages (four weeks) of cv. Giza 843 under both stress and non-stress conditions (Table 9 ). Growth reduction resulting from exposure to 12% PEG stress was addressed during the early growth stages when the seeds were exposed to 50 GY and the plants were sprayed foliarly with 50 mg Zn NO 3 (Table 10 ). During foliar application, ZnO-NPs can be absorbed through stomata and the cuticle and subsequently translocated via the phloem to different plant organs 84 . Low doses of γ-irradiation (50–100 Gy) enhanced abiotic stress tolerance and disease resistance in several crop species 17 . ZnO-NPs may promote the repair of radiation-induced damage, although they cannot completely eliminate it, resulting in increased chromosomal abnormalities and genetic polymorphism (Tables 12 – 14 ). The protective effect of ZnO-NPs depends on γ-irradiation dose and nanoparticle concentration applied 85 . Effect of gamma irradiation on in vitro culture of cotyledonary node Exposure of faba bean cv. Giza 843 cotyledonary node explants to low dose (50 Gy) reduced shoot regeneration frequency but enhanced shoot growth significantly compared with the non-irradiated control (Table 11 ). This stimulatory effect may be attributed to radiation-induced activation of cellular metabolism and cell division, a phenomenon commonly referred to as radiation hormesis 80 . Similar improvements in in vitro regeneration following low-dose γ-irradiation have been reported in several plant species 78 , 44 . In contrast, higher γ-irradiation doses (100, 150, and 200 Gy) resulted in a pronounced reduction in shoot formation frequency, shoot number per explant, and shoot length. The inhibitory effects observed at higher doses may be attributed to radiation-induced damage to DNA, membranes, and proteins, which ultimately disrupts mitotic activity and cellular differentiation processes 79 . The observed decline in regeneration capacity at higher irradiation doses was consistent with the reduction in mitotic index and increased chromosomal abnormalities reported in cytogenetical analyses (Table 12 ), which negatively affect cell division and regeneration potential 86 . At low doses, DNA repair processes can restore genomic integrity while simultaneously stimulating cellular proliferation 81 . Low irradiation doses have been reported to enhance cytokinin and auxin activity, thereby promoting in vitro shoot formation, whereas higher doses disrupt hormonal homeostasis and inhibit organogenesis 80 , 18 . In faba bean cv. Giza 843, low-dose γ-irradiation significantly increased not only the number of shoots formed per explant but also inhibited vitrification symptoms. The avoidance of vitrification is an essential prerequisite for the successful establishment of in vitro –grown plants 87 . In other plant species, the application of higher γ-irradiation doses (150–200 Gy) to seeds led to stimulation of plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis pathway 28 . Cytogenetical analysis Cytogenetical analysis is a valuable tool for evaluating the genotoxic effects of environmental stresses and physical treatments on plant cells, particularly during early developmental stages (Table 12 ). Exposure to drought stress induced by 12% PEG resulted in a significant reduction in MI compared with the control, indicating a pronounced inhibitory effect on mitotic activity. This reduction reflects the negative impact of water deficit on cell cycle progression, which may be attributed to decreased water availability, impaired metabolic activity, and disruption of DNA replication 88 . Similar reductions in mitotic activity under drought stress have been reported in several plant species 54 , 59 . Low-dose of γ-irradiation (50 Gy) significantly increased MI compared with drought-stressed plants, suggesting a stimulatory effect on cell division. This enhancement may be explained by radiation hormesis, whereby low doses of ionizing radiation activate cellular metabolism and DNA repair mechanisms, leading to improved mitotic activity 78 . In contrast, higher γ-irradiation doses (100–200 Gy) caused a substantial decrease in MI and a pronounced increase in chromosomal abnormalities, reflecting dose-dependent genotoxic effects. The elevated frequency of chromosomal aberrations observed at higher irradiation doses can be attributed to excessive DNA damage that exceeds the repair capacity of the cell 86 . These effects were particularly evident under combined drought and high-dose γ-irradiation treatments. Seed priming with ZnO-NPs markedly increased MI and reduced the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities compared with seedlings produced under water stress of 12% PEG only or those produced under 12% PEG stress in combination with low γ-irradiation (50 Gy). This protective effect may be attributed to the role of zinc in stabilizing cell membranes and facilitating DNA repair processes by reducing oxidative damage of water stress 72 , 60 or low-dose irradiation, thereby mitigating genotoxic damage and promoting normal cell division 85 . The obtained results are consistent with previous reports demonstrating that exposure to high doses of radiation and water deficit stress can disrupt normal cell division and retard plant growth 89 , 77 . The three detected major classes of chromosomal aberrations 44 were observed under the applied conditions. Class I aberrations were associated with disturbances in the spindle apparatus and their subsequent effects, leading to abnormalities such as C-metaphase and lagging chromosomes. Class II comprised clastogenic chromosome aberrations, resulting in chromosomal bridges, fragments, micronuclei, and ring chromosomes. Class III included chromosome stickiness. Molecular Analysis: The detected polymorphism using molecular marker techniques (Tables 13 and 14 ) are consistent with those obtained using cytogenetical technique. Under the stress conditions of 12% PEG, both techniques showed that the values ​​of chromosomal changes resulting from exposure of seeds to 50 Gy decreased when the irradiated seeds were soaked in a 50 mg/L ZnO NPs (Table 12 ). These changes reflect radiation-induced DNA damage, including mutations, deletions, and chromosomal rearrangements 86 , 81 . Soaking the seeds with 50 mg/L ZnO NPs reduced chromosomal changes expressed as DNA polymorphisms under no-stress conditions or even under 12% PEG stress, regardless of the type of technique used, whether ISSR or RAPD. This protective effect may be attributed to the role of zinc in enhancing antioxidant defense systems and stabilizing cellular structures, thereby reducing oxidative damage to DNA. Zinc has also been reported to participate in DNA repair processes by maintaining the structural integrity of DNA-binding proteins and repair enzymes 72 , 60 , suggesting a balance between induced genetic variation and enhanced repair capacity. Similar interactions between physical mutagens and nanoparticle treatments have been reported to enhance stress tolerance while supporting genome stability 85 . Polymorphism resulting from 50 Gy did not negatively affect the faba bean plant 19 ; rather, their effect was positive, where it was associated with improve of seed germination and plant growth at early stage even under stress conditions 18 . In V. faba , while application of 50 Gy alone or in combination with 59 mg/L ZnO-NPs increases chromosomal abnormalities and polymorphism than non-irradiated/non-stressed control, they did not cause severe genetic mutations 82 , 19 even under moderate stress conditions leading to improve drought stress tolerance. Transcription factors antioxidant enzymes analysis Transcription factors and antioxidant enzymes play central roles in plant responses to abiotic stress by regulating stress-responsive gene expression and maintaining cellular redox homeostasis 90 , 91 . In the present study, the expression patterns of selected drought-responsive transcription factors and the activities of key antioxidant enzymes were analyzed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying drought tolerance induced by 12% PEG and ZnO-NP priming, and their combined treatments (Tables 15 and 16 ). Under drought condition (12% PEG), the expression of WRKY, DREB1, and ERFs was higher in plants pre-soaked with ZnO-NPs than in their Zn(NO 3 ) 2 -soaked counterparts, both of which were higher than in plants subjected for stress without pre-soaking the seeds in either solution. These increases in the expression of each transcriptional factor stimulated specific biochemical processes, which worked together to achieve drought tolerance. For example, the overexpression of DREB1 family conferred drought tolerance via increase of photosynthetic efficiency and, accumulation of osmoprotectants 37 , while WRKY TFs mitigates drought stress through reduction of water losses, and retardation of ROS accumulation 92 . In addition, ERFs enhance the production of osmoprotectants and ROS scavenging leading to control drought tolerance 38 and enhance seed germination and plant growth at early stage. In faba bean cv Giza 843, drought stress markedly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, CAT and POD. This enhancement represents an adaptive response to elevated levels of ROS generated under water deficit. Although moderate activation of antioxidant enzymes is essential for ROS scavenging, excessive ROS accumulation under prolonged stress can overwhelm the antioxidant system, leading to oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids 57 , 59 . Seed priming with ZnO-NPs significantly enhanced both transcription factor expression and antioxidant enzyme activities under drought stress. Zinc plays a crucial role in maintaining enzyme structure and function, stabilizing membranes, and regulating gene expression associated with stress tolerance. ZnO-NP priming likely improved cellular redox balance by enhancing ROS scavenging efficiency, thereby protecting cellular components from oxidative damage 72 , 60 . In accordance with this work, El-Shazoly 64 found that seed priming with bulk ZnO or NPs significantly increased the activities of APX, CAT, and POD in leaves and roots at 60% field capacity compared with those of non-primed stressed plants. Also, Sistu et al. 93 reported that tolerant genotypes increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes in comparison with that under normal conditions. Conclusion Drought stress markedly impairs physiological performance, cell division, genome stability, and redox balance in faba bean cv. Giza 843. These negative effects, however, can be alleviated through targeted seed priming and physical treatments. Seed priming with zinc, particularly ZnO NPs, significantly enhanced drought tolerance by improving growth, mitotic activity, genome stability, antioxidant capacity, and stress-responsive gene expression. Gamma irradiation showed dose-dependent effects, with low-dose exposure (50 Gy) stimulating growth and stress adaptation, whereas higher doses caused genotoxic damage. Notably, the combined application of low-dose γ-irradiation and ZnO-NP priming produced the greatest improvements across physiological, cytogenetical, molecular, and biochemical parameters, enhancing antioxidant defenses and genetic stability. Overall, this study supports the combined use of low-dose γ-irradiation and ZnO-NP seed priming as an effective strategy to improve drought tolerance in faba bean under water-limited conditions. Materials and Methods Plant material, seed sterilization, and germination Seeds of Vicia faba L. cv. Giza 843 were obtained from the Leguminous Crops Research Department, Agricultural Research Center, Sohag, Egypt. Seeds were surface sterilized by immersing the seeds in 70% (v/v) ethanol for 30 sec, followed by treatment with sodium hypochlorite solution (commercial bleach, 5% v/v) for 5 min and then mercuric chloride solution (0.1% w/v) for 2 min. After the last step, seeds were thoroughly rinsed three times with sterile distilled water to remove any residual sterilizing agents. Sterilized seeds were germinated in Petri dishes or glass jars according to the experimental design and incubated in a growth chamber at 25°C under a photoperiod of 16 hrs light and 8 hrs dark. Percentage of seed germination, seedling growth parameters including radicle length, plumule length, radicle fresh weight, plumule fresh weight, radicle dry weight, and plumule dry weight, were measured. For each treatment of the following experiments was fulfilled using three replicates with 30 seeds per replicate, and all experiments were repeated three times. Determination of the optimal soaking period in ZnO-NPs Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were prepared and characterized as described previously 94 . Sterilized seeds were soaked in an aqueous solution containing 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs for different time intervals (0, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hrs).Then, seeds were transferred to Petri dishes (10 cm diameter) lined with filter paper moistened with 15 ml distilled water. Seeds were incubated at 25 ± 2°C for one week. Germination percentage and seedling growth parameters were recorded to determine the optimal soaking duration. Determination of optimal concentrations of ZnO-NPs and Zn(NO₃)₂ for seed germination and seedling growth Sterilized seeds were soaked for 8 hrs in five different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/L) of either ZnO-NPs or zinc nitrate hexahydrate (Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O). Then, seeds were transferred to Petri dishes containing filter paper moistened with 15 ml distilled water and incubated at 25 ± 2°C under a 16 hrs light and 8 hrs dark photoperiod for one week of incubation. Effect of ZnO-NPs and Zn(NO₃)₂ on seed germination under normal and drought stress conditions Sterilized seeds were soaked for 8 hrs in 50 and 100 mg/L of ZnO-NPs or Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O. Seeds were then germinated either under non-stress conditions using distilled water or under drought stress conditions induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) at a concentration of 12% for one week. Gamma irradiation treatment Dry seeds of Vicia faba L. cv. Giza 843 were exposed to γ-irradiation at the National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt. A cobalt-60 source was used for irradiation. Seeds were irradiated with doses of 50, 100, 150, and 200 Gy. Non-irradiated seeds were used as controls in all experiments. Effect of γ-irradiation and ZnO-NPs on seed germination and seedling growth under non-stress conditions Irradiated and non-irradiated seeds were soaked for 8 hrs in solutions containing either 50 or 100 mg/L ZnO-NPs or in sterile distilled water. Seeds were placed in glass jars containing filter papers, each moistened with 15 ml sterile distilled water. Seeds were incubated at 25°C under a 16 hrs light and 8 hrs dark photoperiod for one week. Effect of γ-irradiation on seed germination and seedling growth under drought stress To assess the effect of γ-irradiation under drought stress conditions, irradiated and non-irradiated seeds were germinated in Petri dishes containing filter paper moistened with 15 ml of 12% PEG solution. Seeds were incubated for one week at 25°C under a 16 hrs light and 8 hrs dark photoperiod. Effect of γ-irradiation and ZnO-NPs on early stage of plant growth under drought stress Irradiated (50 Gy) and non-irradiated seeds were soaked for 8 hrs in 100 ml of 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs or distilled water. Seeds were sown in a pot filled with sawdust, open at the bottom to allow excess water or PEG to drain. Plants were grown for one month at 25°C with a 16 hrs light and 8 hrs dark photoperiod. Drought stress was imposed by irrigating plants with 10 ml of 12% PEG solution every day, whereas control plants were irrigated with water. To investigate the effect of foliar application of 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs on early stage of plant growth, seeds were soaked for 8 hrs in distilled water and sown in plastic pots filled with sawdust and grown for 15 days at 25°C with a 16 hrs light and 8 hrs dark photoperiod. Plants were daily irrigated with either 10 ml of water or 12% PEG solution. Plants with 15 days old were subjected to foliar spraying using 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs three times at four-day intervals. Plants were harvested after further 15 days. Effect of γ-irradiation on in vitro regeneration Cotyledonary node explants (0.5–1.0 cm) were excised from aseptically grown seedlings (five days old) derived from non-irradiated or irradiated seeds (50, 100, 150, or 200 Gy). Explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog 95 medium (MS medium) supplemented with 4 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). Cultures were incubated at 25 ± 2°C under a 16 hrs photoperiod with a light intensity of 100 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ for four weeks. Regeneration frequency, number of shoots per explant, and shoot growth parameters were recorded. Cytogenetic analysis Sterile seeds that had not been exposed to γ-irradiation were germinated in Petri dishes on filter papers moistened with 15 ml of distilled water or 12% PEG. Seeds exposed to different doses of γ-irradiation (50, 100, 150, and 200 GY) were germinated on filter papers moistened with 15 ml of 12% PEG. To study the cumulative effect of both γ-irradiation and zinc nanoparticles, the following experiments were done: 1) A group of seeds exposed to 50 GY were germinated in Petri dishes containing filter papers moistened with 15 ml of 12% PEG: a) A group of seeds exposed to 50 GY γ-irradiation were soaked in a 50 ml solution of 50 mg/L of zinc nanoparticles and germinated in a solution containing 12% PEG for 5 days. Seedling root tips were then prepared for cytogenetical analysis, and mitotic activity and chromosomal abnormalities were recorded according to Hassanein et al 49 . PCR analysis Seedlings subjected for 50 Gy and soaked in a solution containing 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs and germinated in a solution containing 12% PEG were subjected for DNA extraction as previously described 49 . RAPD-PCR analysis Fifteen RAPD primers [OPA-01, OPA-02, OPA-03, OPA-04, OPA-05, OPA-06, OPA-07, OPA-12, OPA-13, OPA-14, OPA-15, OPA-16, OPC-10, OPC-17, and OPV-03] were used to amplify genomic DNA from treated faba beans seedlings. Ten seedlings treated with gamma rays (50 Gy) or gamma rays in combination with seed soaking in 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs either under non-stressed or stressed (12% PEG) conditions were analyzed. PCR reactions (25 µL) contained 12.5 µL master mix, 6.5 µL deionized water, 3 µL primer, and 3 µL template DNA. Amplification was performed using a GeneAmp PCR System 9700 under the following conditions: initial denaturation at 94°C for 5 min; 40 cycles of 94°C for 45 sec, 36°C for 50 sec, and 72°C for 1 min; followed by a final extension at 72°C for 7 min. ISSR-PCR analysis Fifteen ISSR [HB-10, HB-15, ISSR-1, ISSR-2, UBC-808, UBC-811, UBC-817, 807,834, 835, 841, 844-A, 844-B, 876, and 899] were used to amplify the genomic DNA templates of 10 faba bean cv. Giza 843 seedling treated with gamma rays (50 Gy) or gamma rays in combination with seed soaking in 50 mg/l ZnO-NPs either under non-stressed or stressed (12% PEG) conditions. The ISSR-PCR technique was performed as described by Nagaoka & Ogihara 96 . DNA amplification reactions were carried out in 25 µl end volumes containing the same components of RAPD reactions except those primers. The amplification was accomplished using 40 cycles of 1 min at 95°C for denaturation, 1 min at 48°C for annealing, and 2 min at 72°C for extension. The final incubation step was carried out at 72°C for 10 min to ensure that the primer extension reaction goes on completion. Real-Time Quantitative PCR Analysis Total RNA was extracted and reverse-transcribed to cDNA. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed using SYBR Green chemistry on a Rotor-Gene 6000 system. Each 20 µL reaction contained 10 µL SYBR Green master mix, 2 µL cDNA template, and 2 µL each of forward and reverse primers. Thermal cycling conditions were 95°C for 15 min, followed by 40 cycles of 95°C for 30 sec and 58°C for 30 sec. Relative gene expression was calculated using the 2⁻ΔΔCt method with β-actin and GAPDH as reference genes 97 . Estimation of antioxidant enzymes activity: Determination of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity SOD (EC 1.15.1.1) activity were measured according to the method described by Beauchamp et al. 98 . Reaction mixture (3 ml) was prepared containing 50 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.8), 9.9 mM L-methionine, 57 mM nitrobluetetrazolium, and 0.0044% (w/v) riboflavin. The formation of purple formazan resulting from the photoreduction of nitrobluetetrazolium was measured spectrophotometrically at 560 nm. SOD activity was defined as the amount of enzyme required to inhibit nitrobluetetrazolium photoreduction, using an extinction coefficient (E) of 10.3 mM cm⁻¹. Enzyme activity was expressed as mM nitrobluetetrazolium reduced min⁻¹ g⁻¹ fresh weight. Determination of peroxidase (POD) activity POD (EC 1.11.1.7) activity was determined using 50 µL of the prepared enzyme extract in a total reaction mixture volume of 3 mL. The reaction mixture consisted of 40 mM phosphate buffer (pH 6.5), 0.1 mM EDTA, 25 mM guaiacol, and 15 mM hydrogen peroxide. POX activity was assayed by monitoring the oxidation of guaiacol spectrophotometrically at 470 nm, using an extinction coefficient (E) of 26.6 mM cm⁻¹. Enzyme activity was expressed as µmol of guaiacol oxidized min⁻¹ g⁻¹ fresh weight at 25 ± 2°C, according to Zhang 99 and MacAdams et al. 100 . Determination of catalase (CAT) activity CAT (EC 1.11.1.6) activity was determined according to Aebi 101 using protein extracts prepared from seedlings grown under the applied experimental conditions. The reaction mixture (3.0 mL) consisted of 50 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.0), 0.1 mM EDTA, 25 mM hydrogen peroxide, and 50 µL of enzyme extract. CAT activity was assayed by monitoring the decrease in hydrogen peroxide absorbance at 240 nm and quantified using its molar extinction coefficient (39.4 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹). Enzyme activity was expressed as mM hydrogen peroxide decomposed min⁻¹ g⁻¹ fresh weight. 2.15. Statistical analysis : Experiments were planned in a completely randomized design. Data were statistically analyzed as means ± standard deviations (SDs) as described by Snedecor & Cochran 102 . Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed using the software SPSS 16. Level of Significance was measured running the Tukey test, and P ≤ 0.05 was considered as significant. Declarations Institutional Review Board Statement Not applicable. Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflict of interest. Informed Consent Statement : Not applicable. Funding: There is no financial funding from any governmental or non-governmental entity. Author Contribution A.M.H. and A.M.B. proposed the idea. J.M.S. and D.M.S. designed the experimental work. G.R.E. brought the plant specimens and performed the experimental measurements. A.M.H. and G.R.E. analyzed and interpreted the data and wrote the manuscript. D.M.S. and J.M.S. performed the calculations, statistical analysis and gel analysis. A.M.B., D.M.S. and J.M.S revised the manuscript, checked and adjusted the plagiarism. G.R.E. acted as a corresponding author. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. Acknowledgement Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank Moneim Shamloul of the Fraun Hofer USA Center for Molecular Biotechnology, Newark, DE, USA, for English language revision. Also, we would like to thank all the members at National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt for their help in radiating the faba bean seeds that were used in this study. 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The improved Allium/ Vicia root tip micronucleus assay for clastogenicity of environmental pollutants. Mutat. Res. Environ. Mutagen. Relat. Subj. 334 , 185–195 (1995). Ashrafi, M., Moqadam, M. R. A., Moradi, P., Mohsenifard, E. & Shekari, F. Evaluation and validation of housekeeping genes in two contrast species of thyme plant to drought stress using real-time PCR. Plant. Physiol. Biochem. 132 , 54–60 (2018). Hassan, S., Berk, K. & Aronsson, H. Evolution and identification of DREB transcription factors in the wheat genome: modeling, docking and simulation of DREB proteins associated with salt stress. J. Biomol. Struct. Dyn. 40 , 7191–7204 (2022). Khoso, M. A. et al. WRKY transcription factors (TFs): molecular switches to regulate drought, temperature, and salinity stresses in plants. Front. Plant. Sci. 13 , 1039329. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.1039329 (2022). Sistu, R. et al. Effect of different biochemical parameters and antioxidant enzyme activities on drought indices in chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L). Legume Res. 47 , 1698–1704. https://doi.org/10.18805/LR-5204 (2024). Wondmnew, E. & Tizazu, G. Effect of orange fruit peel extract concentration on the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles. Analy Sci. Advan . 5 , 7–8 (2024). e2400023. Murashige, T. & Skoog, F. A revised medium for rapid growth and bioassay with tobacco tissue culture. Physiol. Plant. 15 , 473–479 (1962). Nagaoka, T. & Ogihara, Y. Applicability of ISSR polymorphisms in wheat as DNA markers. Theor. Appl. Genet. 94 , 597–602 (1997). Togawa, T. et al. Developmental expression patterns of cuticular protein genes in Anopheles gambiae . Insect Biochem. Mol. Biol. 38 , 508–519 (2008). Beauchamp, C. & Fridovich, I. Superoxide dismutase: improved assays applicable to acrylamide gels. Anal. Biochem. 44 , 276–287 (1971). Zhang, X. Z. Research methodology of crop physiology 208–211 (Agricultural, 1992). MacAdams, J. W., Nelson, C. J. & Sharp, R. E. Peroxidase activity in the leaf elongation zone of tall fescue. Plant. Physiol. 99 , 872–878 (1992). Aebi, H. Catalase in vitro. Methods Enzymol. 105 , 121–126 (1984). Snedecor, G. W. & Cochran, W. G. Statistical Methods 7th edn (Iowa State Univ., 1980). Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Reviewers agreed at journal 19 Apr, 2026 Reviews received at journal 17 Apr, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 17 Apr, 2026 Reviewers invited by journal 17 Apr, 2026 Editor invited by journal 16 Mar, 2026 Editor assigned by journal 12 Mar, 2026 Submission checks completed at journal 12 Mar, 2026 First submitted to journal 09 Mar, 2026 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-9073492","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":626585814,"identity":"98054032-6925-4e95-b4eb-65b0df63f8a7","order_by":0,"name":"Ahmed Hassanein","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Sohag University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ahmed","middleName":"","lastName":"Hassanein","suffix":""},{"id":626585818,"identity":"a13c4ec0-fc19-46cb-a4bd-259bda2f4740","order_by":1,"name":"Abdel Fattah Badr","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Helwan University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Abdel","middleName":"Fattah","lastName":"Badr","suffix":""},{"id":626585824,"identity":"593c56a5-5e33-4895-9856-713aeed6e60a","order_by":2,"name":"Jehan Salem","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Sohag University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Jehan","middleName":"","lastName":"Salem","suffix":""},{"id":626585825,"identity":"1d90ef06-336c-442d-82fc-766c81bba3f7","order_by":3,"name":"Ghada El-Sayed","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA6UlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYFAC5oYDHwxs6tnYG4AcAwtitDA2HJxRkJbAz3MApEWCOC3MHB8OJ0jOSADxiNAi736w8TCDAXOewc3nVzf8KJBg4G/vTsCrxfBMYsPhAgO2YoPbOWU3e4AOkzhzdgN+LQ1ALTMMeBg33M5Ju8ED1GIgkUtAS//DhsNAlYwbbp5Ju/mHGC3yEokgLQaJM2ewH7tNlC0GEg+BgWyQYMzPk8N2W8ZAgoegX+T7kw9/+PDnvxwb+/FnN9/8sZHjb+8lYMsBOJPHAEziVQ62pQHOZH9AUPUoGAWjYBSMTAAAlf9PP5z0/PAAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"Sohag University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ghada","middleName":"","lastName":"El-Sayed","suffix":""},{"id":626585826,"identity":"d436c237-2638-403e-ba3e-08a2fcd05d55","order_by":4,"name":"Dia Soltan","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Sohag University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Dia","middleName":"","lastName":"Soltan","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2026-03-09 13:23:32","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9073492/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9073492/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":107837824,"identity":"b9511538-c6f6-4689-bfc5-4422746e04b6","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-04-26 17:08:08","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":346665,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eRegeneration of cotelydonary node treated with gamma radiation on MS medium supplemented with 4 mg/l BAP\u003cstrong\u003e: (A) \u003c/strong\u003eshoots obtained from non-treated cotyledonary node; \u003cstrong\u003e(B)\u003c/strong\u003e shoots obtained from gamma irradiated cotyledonary node with 50Gy\u003cstrong\u003e.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9073492/v1/cba53b4089cb3efe56c3d4c1.png"},{"id":107870236,"identity":"431fc7db-401d-4366-9736-77cf5620e2fd","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-04-27 07:39:10","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":720308,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eChromosomal aberrations of \u003cem\u003eVicia faba\u003c/em\u003e cv. Giza 843 root tips exposed to four doses of gamma radiation (50,100,150 and 200 Gy)and 50mg/l ZnO NPs either alone or in combination under drought induced stress by 12%PEG; irregular prophase (1) , irregular prophase with micronuclues (2), sticky prophase(3), C-metaphase(4), Disturbed metaphase with breaks (5), Diagonal/dist.metaphase (6),star metaphase(7) ,sticky anaphase (8), telophase with bridge(9) ,disturbed anaphase(10),lagging chromosome in telophase (11), free chromosomes in telophase (12), star anaphase(13), multipolar anaphase (14).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9073492/v1/d28da411527ae21456411959.png"},{"id":107837821,"identity":"01307885-65ee-49eb-83d7-5ccd3ec06483","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-04-26 17:08:08","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":402247,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eISSR-PCR profiles generated by the shown primers for genomic DNA of ten faba bean seedlings obtained from seeds treated with 50 Gy,50 Gy followed by soaking in 50 mg/l ZnO-NPs and 50 Gy followed by soaking in 50 mg/l ZnO-NPs during drought stress by PEG 12%\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9073492/v1/5d33f639a03a2dccdcc7a2fe.png"},{"id":107837826,"identity":"5002bd5a-8d52-44f7-bad7-a759dba89bbb","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-04-26 17:08:08","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":521751,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eRAPD-PCR profiles generated by the shown primers for genomic DNA of ten faba bean seedlings obtained from seeds treated with 50 Gy,50 Gy followed by soaking in 50 mg/l ZnO-NPs and 50 Gy followed by soaking in 50 mg/l ZnO-NPs during drought stress by PEG 12%\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9073492/v1/c079a9c8de4969048f040464.png"},{"id":107837829,"identity":"6b8c53a2-9dec-4556-817b-bc123e3e1f81","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-04-26 17:08:09","extension":"jpg","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":67553,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eHierarchical Clustering Analysis and Heat map of the Results Obtained from Data on Gene expression levels of WRKY42, DREB1A, and ERF1 transcription factor gene in \u003cem\u003evicia faba \u003c/em\u003e(Faba bean) seedlings under the specified treatments\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"5.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9073492/v1/b91d2048cc63f273382632fd.jpg"},{"id":107872056,"identity":"d08067fb-2072-4b6c-ad12-a94529960436","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-04-27 07:55:00","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":3573758,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9073492/v1/3d15a1e3-0085-481b-a92c-e3b50ea9449d.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Cytogenetical, molecular and gene expression studies to evaluate the effects of γ-ray and ZnO nanoparticles on Vicia faba under drought stress","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eAbiotic stresses, particularly drought, significantly reduce crop productivity worldwide\u0026sup1;, as they adversely affect plant development and yield. Drought can occur at any stage of the plant life cycle; however, certain stages, such as germination and seedling development, are more sensitive than others\u0026sup2;˒\u0026sup3;. Under drought stress, plant water relations are disrupted, water-use efficiency and root proliferation are reduced, carbon dioxide fixation is inhibited, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is increased⁴˒⁵.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeveral methods have been developed to induce water stress in plants under controlled laboratory conditions. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is frequently used to simulate drought stress because it is a water-soluble, non-ionic polymer that does not penetrate plant cells or seeds⁶. PEG has been successfully applied to evaluate drought tolerance in plants, particularly during germination and early seedling growth, under both laboratory and open-field conditions⁷˒⁸. Importantly, PEG induces water stress without exerting direct toxic effects on plant tissues⁹.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMicronutrients, particularly zinc, play a crucial role in improving stress tolerance and supporting essential plant processes such as seed germination, enzyme activation, protein synthesis, chlorophyll formation, and growth regulation\u0026sup1;⁰. Zinc can be supplied in ionic form, such as zinc nitrate (Zn(NO₃)₂), or as zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs)\u0026sup1;\u0026sup1;-\u0026sup1;\u0026sup3;. Depending on the applied concentration, ZnO-NPs have been reported to enhance seed germination and seedling growth under stress conditions in several plant species\u0026sup1;⁴-\u0026sup1;⁶.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExposure of seeds, seedlings, or plant tissues to gamma irradiation (γ-irradiation) has been shown to enhance plant tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stresses\u0026sup1;⁷˒\u0026sup1;⁸, particularly when applied at low doses ranging from 50 to 100 Gray (Gy)\u0026sup1;⁷. Such low doses induce physiological and biochemical responses that promote plant growth and stress tolerance without causing severe genetic damage\u0026sup1;⁹. It has been reported that the application of low concentrations of ZnO-NPs (50 mg L⁻\u0026sup1;) in combination with drought stress improves plant performance compared with non-irradiated plants\u0026sup2;⁰. Seed treatment with γ-irradiation may enhance crop productivity under stress conditions, including drought\u0026sup1;⁸, possibly through increased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)\u0026sup2;\u0026sup1;. In contrast, higher doses of γ-irradiation may induce beneficial mutations associated with improved productivity and stress tolerance\u0026sup2;\u0026sup2;.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBreeding progress in faba bean remains limited, and the development of new cultivars can require up to 15 years. Consequently, faba bean improvement could benefit from modern breeding technologies such as gene transfer. However, faba bean is considered recalcitrant to tissue culture regeneration, and genetic transformation has rarely been successful\u0026sup2;\u0026sup3;. The source of explants is a critical factor influencing tissue culture efficiency and transformation success in faba bean\u0026sup2;⁴-\u0026sup2;⁶. γ-Irradiation has been reported to enhance in vitro regeneration and cloning, particularly in recalcitrant varieties, while having limited effects on responsive genotypes\u0026sup2;⁷. Application of γ-radiation doses ranging from 150 to 200 Gy has stimulated plant regeneration in some species\u0026sup2;⁸, whereas lower doses have increased sprout frequency, shoot number, and plantlet length in cultured calli\u0026sup2;⁹. Similarly, regeneration of blackberry plantlets was significantly enhanced by low γ-irradiation doses of 20 and 40 Gy\u0026sup3;⁰. Different plant species, varieties, and tissues exhibit variable sensitivity to γ-irradiation\u0026sup3;\u0026sup1;\u003csup\u003e,\u003c/sup\u003e\u0026sup3;\u0026sup2;. The stimulatory effects of low-dose γ-irradiation on shoot differentiation and growth may be attributed to modifications in hormonal signaling pathways that enhance cellular antioxidant capacity\u0026sup3;\u0026sup3;.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTranscription factors (TFs) are regulatory proteins that control gene expression by activating or repressing target genes. Important TF families involved in drought responses include dehydration-responsive element-binding proteins (DREB), WRKY proteins, and ethylene-responsive element-binding factors (ERF)\u0026sup3;⁴. Overexpression of WRKY TFs has been shown to alleviate drought stress by reducing ion and water loss and limiting ROS accumulation. ERF proteins are divided into two subfamilies: the ethylene-responsive group (ERF) and the dehydration-responsive element-binding protein group (DREB)\u0026sup3;⁵\u003csup\u003e,\u003c/sup\u003e\u0026sup3;⁶. In soybean, DREB1 confers drought tolerance by enhancing photosynthesis and osmotic adjustment\u0026sup3;⁷. ERFs also regulate drought-responsive genes involved in osmolyte production and ROS scavenging, thereby improving drought tolerance\u0026sup3;⁸. Enhanced ROS scavenging mediated by ERFs is associated with increased activities of CAT\u0026sup3;⁹, SOD, and peroxidase (POX)⁴⁰.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCytogenetic analysis, molecular marker techniques, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis have been widely used to investigate genetic effects induced by environmental and chemical treatments⁴\u0026sup1;\u003csup\u003e,\u003c/sup\u003e⁴\u0026sup2;. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers have been successfully applied to characterize genetic variation resulting from γ-irradiation in plant seeds⁴\u0026sup3;\u003csup\u003e,\u003c/sup\u003e⁴⁴.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe faba bean cultivar Giza 843 is highly adaptable and has demonstrated reliable yield performance⁴⁵. It is recognized as a drought-tolerant cultivar compared to other cultivars⁴⁶\u003csup\u003e,\u003c/sup\u003e⁴⁷ and has also shown tolerance to salinity⁴⁸ and aluminum contamination⁴⁹. Therefore, this cultivar represents an ideal candidate for improving drought tolerance and ensuring sustainable plant protein production under future climate change scenarios. Although numerous studies have reported positive effects of low concentrations of nanoparticles or low doses of γ-irradiation on drought-stressed plants, investigations addressing the combined effects of drought stress, nanoparticles, and γ-irradiation remain scarce. Accordingly, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of γ-irradiation and ZnO-NPs on seed germination, plant growth, and genome stability of faba bean under drought stress using cytogenetic analysis, molecular markers (RAPD and ISSR), and drought-responsive transcription factors (DREB, ERF, and WRKY). In addition, given the importance of tissue culture in plant improvement program, this study also examined the effect of γ-irradiation on the in vitro regeneration capacity of faba bean.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePreliminary studies\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePreliminary experiments conducted on \u003cem\u003eVicia faba\u003c/em\u003e cv. Giza 843 showed that the germination percentage remained high (95%) at polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations up to 12%, but then declined sharply, reaching a minimum value of 30% at 23% PEG. In contrast, seedling growth was significantly reduced when seeds were germinated under water stress conditions induced by 12% PEG. This reduction was reflected in decreases in plumule and radicle lengths, fresh and dry weights of both plumule and root, as well as seedling water content. Compared with the control, the reductions in these parameters were 57.2%, 18.5%, 67.9%, 40.7%, 25.0%, 7.2%, and 6.5%, respectively. Consequently, to induce drought stress in all subsequent experiments, 12% PEG was used.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eEffect of seed soaking in Zn(NO₃)₂ and ZnO NPs under non-stressed and stressed conditions on germination and seedling growth\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo determine the optimum seed-soaking period for improving germination and seedling growth under non-stress conditions, a moderate concentration of ZnO nanoparticles (50 mg/L) was used. The results showed that soaking seeds for 8 hrs was the most effective treatment, as it resulted in the highest germination percentage and the highest improvement in all recorded seedling growth parameters (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOligonucleotide primer sequences used for quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGene Name\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSequence\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTm (0 C)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWRKY42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5'- GAAGATGGATATAACTGGAGA\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;3\u0026rsquo;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"9\" rowspan=\"10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003e C\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eR\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5'- GTCCATGTCCTAGAGAGAC-3\u0026rsquo;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDREB1A\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5ʹ-TCTGATGCCAAGGATGAGTT-3ʹ\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eR\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5ʹ-GTGCTCCTCATGGGTACTTC-3ʹ\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eERF1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5ʹ-CTCGATCCATTCCCTGGTGG-3ʹ\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5ʹ-AAGGCTTTGGACTGGGAAGG-3ʹ\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eβ-Actin\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u0026acute;-GTGCCCATTTACGAAGGATA- 3\u0026acute;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eR\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u0026acute;-GAAGACTCCATGCCGATCAT- 3\u0026acute;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGAPDH\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u0026acute;- TTGGTTTCCACTGACTTCGTT\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;3\u0026acute;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eR\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u0026acute;-CTGTAGCCCCACTCGTTGT\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;3\u0026acute;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEffect of seed soaking periods in 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs on seed germination and seedling growth of faba bean cv. Giza 843 for one week.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTime interval\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(hrs)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeed Germination frequency\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRadicle length\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlumule length\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRadicle\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eF.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlumule\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eF.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRadicle\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eD.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlumule\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eD.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8 in H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.07\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.07\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.016\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.030\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.009\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.008\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.016\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.006\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8 in ZnO-NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.93\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.27\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.018\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.045\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.011\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.014\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.008\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.005\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12 in ZnO-NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e96\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.08\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.046\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.040\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.012\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.010\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.004\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.007\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.002\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24 in ZnO-NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.97\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.026\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.035\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.016\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.008\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.004\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.005\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.002\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48 in ZnO-NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e86.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.57\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.47\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.029\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.003\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.004\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.006\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.002\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.002\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"8\"\u003eValues are means of three replicates\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;standard deviation (SD). Statistical significance of differences compared to control:*significant at P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnder non-stress conditions, the effect of seed soaking for 8 hrs in different concentrations of Zn(NO₃)₂ (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e) and ZnO nanoparticles (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e) on seed germination and seedling growth of \u003cem\u003eVicia faba\u003c/em\u003e cv. Giza 843 indicated that the application of zinc at 50 mg/L, either in ionic form (Zn(NO₃)₂) or nanoparticle form (ZnO NPs), significantly enhanced seedling growth compared with the control.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEffect of seed soaking for 8 hours in different concentrations of Zn(NO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e.6H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO on seed germination and seedling growth of faba bean cv. Giza 843 for one week under non-stressed conditions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eZn(NO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e.6H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO Conc.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(mg/L)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeed Germination frequency\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRadicle length\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlumule length\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRadicle\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eF.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlumule\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eF.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRadicle\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eD.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlumule\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eD.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eControl (H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.097\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.008\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.019\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.009\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.0004\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.43\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.11\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.065\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.001*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.015\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.002*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.009\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.0013\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.83\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.29*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.22\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.128\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.007*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.023\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.013\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.0010\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.40\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.097\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.013\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.001*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.012\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.0020\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e200\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.126\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.012*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.018\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.012\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.0004\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"8\"\u003eValues are means of three replicates\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD. Statistical significance of differences compared to control:*significant at P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEffect of seed soaking for 8 hours in different concentrations of ZnO-NPs on seed germination and seedling growth of faba bean cv. Giza 843 for one week under non-stressed conditions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eZnO-NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConc.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(mg /l)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeed Germination Frequency\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRadicle length\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlumule length\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRadicle\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eF.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlumule\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eF.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRadicle\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eD.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlumule\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eD.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCont. (H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eo)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.93\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.199\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.018\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.097\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.008\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.019\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.0006\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.009\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.0004\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.43\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.084\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.015*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.099\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.002\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.009\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.0013*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.0003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.93\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.36*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.020*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.16\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.008*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.025\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.0006*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.019\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.0015*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.15\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.012*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.099\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.0017\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.0017\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.014\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.0017*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e200\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.00*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.074\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.012*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.043\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.006*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.007\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.0015*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.005\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.001*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"8\"\u003eValues are means of three replicates\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD. Statistical significance of differences compared to control: * Significant at P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnder stress conditions induced by 12% PEG, seed germination percentage declined to 95% compared with the control; however, germination was fully restored to 100% when seeds were soaked for 8 hrs in 100 mg/L Zn(NO₃)₂ (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). Similarly, 100% germination was recorded when seeds were soaked in 50 mg/L ZnO nanoparticles under the same stress conditions (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). The decrease in seedling growth parameters under the influence of 12% PEG was overcomed when the seeds were soaked in 100 mg/l Zn(NO₃)₂ or 50 mg/L ZnO NPs, the growth parameter values ​​of those seedlings surpassed the values ​​recorded for plants not exposed to water stress (control).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe extent to which seed germination and seedling growth of faba bean cv. Giza 843 were affected by seed soaking in water or in Zn(NO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e .6H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO for 8 hours each under stressed conditions (12% PEG) for one week.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoaking solution\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGermination medium\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeed Germination frequency\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRadicle length\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlumule length\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeedling F.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeedling\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eD.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eW.C.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.07\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.400\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.095\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.043\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e89.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12% PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.53\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.197\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.020*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.040\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 mg/l Zn (NO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.70\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.29*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.320\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.020\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.027\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.001*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100 mg/l Zn (NO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.26\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.200\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.018*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.018\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.001*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 mg/l Zn (NO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12% PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e97\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.07\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.216\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.002*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.019\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.001*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100 mg/l Zn (NO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12% PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.6*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.450\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.095\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.046\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.008*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e85.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"8\"\u003eValues are means of three replicates\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD. Statistical significance of differences compared to control: * Significant at P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 6\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe extent to which seed germination and seedling growth of faba bean cv. Giza 843 were affected by seed soaking in water or in ZnO-NPs for 8 hours under stressed conditions (12% PEG) for one week.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoaking solution\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGermination medium\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeed Germination frequency\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRadicle length\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlumule length\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeedling F.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeedling\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eD.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eW.C.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.07\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.40\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.095\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.043\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e89.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12% PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.53\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.25*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.020\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.040\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 mg/l ZnO-NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.20*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.73\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.25*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.46\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.051\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.046\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.013\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e90.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100 mg/l ZnO-NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e97\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.73\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.41\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.172\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.045\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.017\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e89.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 mg/ ZnO-NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12% PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.47\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.47\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.46\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.038\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.046\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.004\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e89.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100 mg/l ZnO-NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12% PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e96\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.16\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.023\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.027\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e83.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"8\"\u003eValues are means of three replicates\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;standard deviation (SD). Statistical significance of differences compared to control: * Significant at P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeedling water content decreased markedly to 79.8% when seeds were germinated in 12% polyethylene glycol, but this reduction was alleviated by seed soaking treatments. Water content increased to 85.3% and 89.9% when seeds were soaked in 100 mg/L Zn(NO₃)₂ or 50 mg/L ZnO NPs, respectively.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eEffect of different doses of γ-irradiation alone or in combination with two selected ZnO-NPs concentrations on seed germination and seedling growth under stressed or non-stressed conditions\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnder non-stress conditions, seed germination was not significantly affected by exposure to low doses of γ-irradiation (50 and 100 Gy), with germination percentages remaining comparable to the control (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e). However, exposure to higher doses (150 and 200 Gy) resulted in a marked reduction in germination percentage. Seed soaking in ZnO nanoparticles at concentrations of 50 or 100 mg/L improved germination percentage across all irradiation doses, indicating a stimulatory effect of ZnO nanoparticles under non-stress conditions. Regarding seedling growth under non-stress conditions (Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e), seeds exposed to the lowest γ-irradiation dose (50 Gy) showed an increase in radicle length and a significant increase in plumule length, as well as in fresh and dry weights, compared with the control. In contrast, higher γ-irradiation doses (100, 150, and 200 Gy) caused progressive reductions in all measured growth parameters. The beneficial effect of ZnO NPs was insufficient to overcome the inhibitory effects of higher irradiation doses. In addition, decline in seed germination percentage and seedling growth parameters under drought stress induced by 12% PEG were avoided when seeds were subjected to 50 Gy γ-irradiation (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e). In contrast, higher γ-irradiation doses (100 and 150 Gy) exerted higher reduction in seed germination percentages and seedling growth parameters than those subjected to 12% PEG only.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab7\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 7\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEffect of different doses of γ-irradiation with or without 50 or 100 mg/L ZnO NPs concentration on seed germination and seedling growth of faba bean cv. Giza 843 for one week under non-stressed conditions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"9\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eγ Ray\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003edose (Gy)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoaking\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003esolution\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeed Ger. Freq.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRadicle length\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlumule length\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRadicle\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eF.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlumule\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eF.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRadicle\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eD.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlumule\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eD.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCont. (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.57\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.013\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.016\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.005\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.20*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.19\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.08\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.19\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.015\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.065\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.018\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.93\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.019\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.009\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.014\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.006\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e150\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e83.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.83\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.15\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.16\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.016\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.007\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.017\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.005\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e200\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e83.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.77\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.18\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.014\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.002\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.021\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 mg/l ZnO NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.70\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.30\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.27*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.019\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.018\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.006\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 mg/l ZnO NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.57\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.09\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.07\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.011\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.004\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.009\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e150\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 mg/l ZnO NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91.70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.97\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.16\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.18\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.018\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.008\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.022\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.005\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e200\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 mg/l ZnO NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91.70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.73\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.47\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.09\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.08\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.010\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.009\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.002\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100 mg/l ZnO NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91.70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.03\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.09\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.011\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.013\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.007\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100 mg/l ZnO NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.14\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.18\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.013\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.004\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.016\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e150\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100 mg/l ZnO NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91.70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.83\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.57\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.07\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.020\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.007\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.009\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e200\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100 mg/l ZnO NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91.70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.43\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.15\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.14\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.014\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.004\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.014\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.004\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"9\"\u003eValues are means of three replicates\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;standard deviation (SD). Statistical significance of differences compared to control:* Significant at P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab8\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 8\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEffect of γ-irradiation doses on seed germination and seedling growth of faba bean cv. Giza 843 under the influence of drought stress induced by 12% PEG for one week.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eγ Ray\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003edose\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e(Gy)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeed Germination frequency\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRadicle\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003elength\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlumule\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003elength\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeedling\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eF.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeedling\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eD.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCont. (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e92.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.43\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.24\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.002*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e88.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.07\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.00*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.002*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e150\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e88.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.003*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"6\"\u003eValues are means of three replicates\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;standard deviation (SD). Statistical significance of differences compared to control: * Significant at P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe effects of combination between 50 Gy and 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs on plant at the early stage of plant growth (4 weeks old) under drought stress was investigated (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e). Under these conditions, the percentage of germination of non-irradiated seeds was 88%, improved (93.3%) when seeds were irradiated with 50 GY and soaked in 50 mg/l ZnO-NPs. In addition, compared to the control, seeds irradiation with %50 Gy and soaking in the 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs increased the values of plant height, root length, root fresh and dry weights under stress- or non-stress condition. Plant growth at early stage was also affected by treating seeds with low dose of γ-irradiation (50 Gy) and/or foliar spraying with 50 mg ZnO-NPs solution (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab10\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e). The results indicate that the recorded reduction in plant vegetative growth, represented by stem and root length, as well as fresh and dry weight of roots and shoots, under the influence of 12% PEG, was avoided when the seeds were previously exposed to 50 Gy dose, or foliar sprayed with 50 mg/L ZnO- NPs, without synergistic effect of the both.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab9\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 9\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCombined effect of gamma dose (50 Gy) and seed soaking in ZnO-NPs (50 mg/l) on seed germination and plant growth of faba bean cv. Giza 843 for one month under stressed or non-stressed conditions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"10\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eγ Ray\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003edose\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e(Gy)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeed soaking solution\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrowth medium\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrowth Freq.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eShoot length\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRoot\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003elength\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eShoot\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eF.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRoot\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eF.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eShoot\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eD.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRoot\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eD.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.76\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.76\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.94\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.23\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.07 0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12% PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e88\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.79\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.18\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.066\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 mg/l\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eZnO-NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12% PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.52*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.24\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.22\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.090\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12% PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e93.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.3*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.76\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.57\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.26*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.77\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.11\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.070\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 mg/l\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eZnO-NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12% PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e99\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.53\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.09\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.19\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.080\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"10\"\u003eValues are means of three replicates\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;standard deviation (SD). Statistical significance of differences compared to 50 GY: * Significant at P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab10\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 10\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCombined effect of 50 Gy dose and foliar application of 50 mg/l ZnO NPs on plant growth of faba bean cv. Giza 843 for one month during drought stress\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"9\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eγ Ray\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003edose\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e(Gy)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIrrigation solution\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpraying solution\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eShoot length\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRoot\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003elength\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eShoot\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eF.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRoot\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eF.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eShoot\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eD.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRoot\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eD.W.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.68\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.44\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.08\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePEG 12%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.83\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.28\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.18\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.006\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.002*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePEG 12%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 mg/l ZnO-NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.6*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.59\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.19\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.010\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.09\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.005*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePEG 12%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.92\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.08*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.93\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.15\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.003*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePEG 12%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 mg/l ZnO-NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.36*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.14\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.015*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"9\"\u003eValues are means of three replicates\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;standard deviation (SD). Statistical significance of differences compared to control: * Significant at P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOverall, the data presented in Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab10\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e demonstrate that low-dose of γ-irradiation (50 Gy), particularly when combined with moderate concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles, enhances seed germination and early seedling growth under both non-stress and drought stress conditions. In contrast, higher γ-irradiation doses exert detrimental effects on germination and seedling development regardless of water availability.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eEffect of γ-irradiation on\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003ein vitro\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eregeneration of faba bean\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe effect of different doses of gamma radiation on the \u003cem\u003ein vitro\u003c/em\u003e regeneration capacity of cotyledonary node explants was evaluated (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab11\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e). Compared with the control, regeneration frequency gradually decreased with increasing gamma radiation dose. In contrast, the number of formed shoots increased by more than threefold when cotyledonary node explants were obtained from seeds exposed to 50 Gy. This increase was accompanied by higher numbers of nodes and leaves, as well as greater fresh weight of the regenerated shoots. Compared with the control and other gamma radiation doses, shoots derived from seeds treated with 50 Gy were free of vitrification. Overall, these results demonstrate that gamma radiation influences faba bean regeneration in a dose-dependent manner, with low doses promoting regeneration and high doses impairing regenerative potential.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab11\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 11\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEffect of different doses of gamma radiation on \u003cem\u003ein vitro\u003c/em\u003e regeneration of faba bean cv. G843. \u003cem\u003eIn vitro\u003c/em\u003e cultured nodal segments were obtained from seedlings produced from radiated seeds and cultured for three weeks on MS medium supplemented with 4 mg/l BAP.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eγ Ray\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003edose\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(Gy)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency of shoot formation\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo. of shoots/explant\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLength of shoots (cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo. of nodes/shoot\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo. of leaves/node\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF.W. /shoot cluster\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF.W./shoot\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.16\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.15*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.58*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.0*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.53\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.07\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e150\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.53*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e200\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.30\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.53\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.07\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"8\"\u003eValues are means of three replicates\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;standard deviation (SD). Statistical significance of differences compared to control: *significant at P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCytogenetical study:\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMitotic activity in root tip tissues of the faba bean cv. Giza 843 was significantly reduced when seeds were germinated in a solution containing 12% PEG, as shown in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab12\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e. A significant improvement in mitotic division and mitotic index values was observed when seeds were exposed to low doses of gamma rays (50 and 100 Gy) under stress conditions; however, this enhancement was accompanied by an increase in the total frequency of chromosomal abnormalities. Under drought stress, seeds exposed to the highest gamma ray dose (200 Gy) exhibited the greatest inhibition of cell division and the lowest mitotic index values, which were associated with the highest levels of chromosomal abnormalities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab12\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 12\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMitotic index (MI), % of total abnormalities, % of interphase and % of mitotic phases (prophase, metaphase and ana- telophase), include normal (Total) and abnormal (Abn) mitotic phases recorded for 5000 of \u003cem\u003eVicia faba\u003c/em\u003e (Giza843) root tip cells under the influence of gamma radiation and ZnO-NPs during drought stress by 12% PEG.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"13\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c12\" colnum=\"12\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c13\" colnum=\"13\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeed\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003etreatment\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGermination\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003emedium\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal mitosis\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMI\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal abnormal mitotic\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e% Interphase\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e% Prophase\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e% Metaphase\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c13\" namest=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e% Ana-telophase\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAbn.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAbn.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAbn.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAbn.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eH\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e137\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e00.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e97.26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12%PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e120\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.35*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52.07\u0026plusmn;.01*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e97.60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.57\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.66\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 GY\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12%PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e256\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.20*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e54.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.7*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e96.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.77\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51.27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22.78\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100 GY\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12%PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e190\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.19*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e62.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.1*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e85.99\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.57\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33.17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38.70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e150 GY\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12%PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e108\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.15\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e76.68\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.3*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e97.84\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.82\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39.80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.37\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.78\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e200 GY\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12%PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e84.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.7*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e98.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.96\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e54.47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.74\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36.17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 ZnO-NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12%PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e394\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.20*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.3*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91.39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31.70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.79\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.74\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 GY\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;50 mg/l ZnO-NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12%PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e157\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.7*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e96.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51.60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"13\"\u003eValues are means of three replicates\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;standard deviation (SD). Statistical significance of differences compared to control: * Significant at P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe highest mitotic activity and mitotic index values were recorded in seeds that were not exposed to γ- irradiation but were soaked in 50 mg/L ZnO NPs and subsequently germinated in a 12% PEG solution. Seed soaking in 50 mg/L ZnO NPs resulted in higher mitotic activity and mitotic index values compared with the water stress control.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnder drought stress, interphase frequency was not markedly affected by the application of gamma rays or ZnO NPs; however, an increase in interphase abnormalities was detected following the application of each factor individually or in combination. The relative frequencies of the different mitotic phases were influenced by gamma radiation doses and seed soaking in ZnO NPs under both stress and non-stress conditions (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab12\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e). The highest frequencies of abnormalities at prophase (39.8 at 150 GY %), metaphase (36.17%), and ana-telophase (35.10%) were recorded in seeds exposed to 200 Gy and germinated in a 12% PEG.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnder drought stress conditions, the recorded decrease in total chromosomal abnormalities observed in root tips of seeds exposed to 50 Gray after seed soaking in ZnO NPs compared to seeds exposed only to gamma rays was mainly related to a decrease in chromosomal abnormalities during interphase and prophase, with no significant changes in metaphase and anaphase abnormalities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDuring prophase, several abnormalities were observed, including irregular chromosome appearance, micronuclei, and chromosome stickiness (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Common abnormalities at metaphase included C-metaphase, disturbed metaphase with chromosomal breaks, diagonal metaphase, and star metaphase. During ana-telophase, a high frequency of abnormalities was detected, such as chromosome stickiness, chromosomal bridges, disturbed configurations, lagging chromosomes, free chromosomes, star-shaped anaphase, and multipolar anaphase (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMolecular Markers studies\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eISSR (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab13\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e and Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e) analysis revealed that exposure of faba bean seeds (cv. Giza 843) to 50 Gy γ-irradiation markedly increased genetic polymorphism (64.76%) compared with non-irradiated seeds (29.73%; data not shown). Seed soaking in 50 mg/L ZnO NPs under non-stress conditions reduced this increase, resulting in a lower polymorphism value (44.12%). Under drought stress conditions, soaking seeds in 50 mg/L ZnO NPs also reduced γ-irradiation-induced polymorphism; however, the recorded value (52.78%) remained higher than that observed in non-irradiated seeds, indicating a partial protective effect.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab13\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 13\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eISSR profile generated by 15 primers using \u003cem\u003eVicia faba\u003c/em\u003e cv. Giza 843 seedlings germinated under non-stress conditions. Total number of amplified fragments (Tb), polymorphic bands (Pb), monomorphic bands (Mb), unique bands (Ub), and percentage of polymorphism (PP) were determined.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"16\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c12\" colnum=\"12\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c13\" colnum=\"13\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c14\" colnum=\"14\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c15\" colnum=\"15\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c16\" colnum=\"16\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrimer\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 Gy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 Gy and 50 mg/l ZnONPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c16\" namest=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 Gy, 50 mg/l ZnONPs and 12% PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePp%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePp%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePp%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHB-10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e90.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e62.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHB-15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44.44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eISSR-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eISSR-2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e83.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e71.43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUBC-808\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUBC-811\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e71.43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUBC-817\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e807\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e834\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e835\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e62.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e841\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e844-A\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e77.78\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e844-B\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e83.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.57\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e876\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e899\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e71.43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44.44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e105\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e57\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e37\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e11\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e64.76\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e102\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e34\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e57\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e11\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e44.12\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e108\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e49\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e51\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e8\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e52.78\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRAPD analysis (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab14\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e and Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e) showed a similar response pattern. Polymorphism values of 55.45%, 42.70%, and 46.46% were recorded for seeds treated with 50 Gy alone, 50 Gy combined with 50 mg/L ZnO NPs, and the combined treatment under drought stress, respectively. Although ISSR markers consistently detected higher levels of polymorphism than RAPD markers, both techniques exhibited comparable trends in genetic variation in response to γ-irradiation, 50 mg/l ZnO NPs, and drought stress of 12% PEG.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab14\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 14\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRAPD profile generated by 15 primers using \u003cem\u003eVicia faba\u003c/em\u003e cv. Giza 843 seedlings germinated under non-stress conditions. Total number of amplified fragments (Tb), polymorphic bands (Pb), monomorphic bands (Mb) and unique bands (Ub), and percentage of polymorphism (PP) were determined.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"21\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c12\" colnum=\"12\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c13\" colnum=\"13\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c14\" colnum=\"14\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c15\" colnum=\"15\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c16\" colnum=\"16\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c17\" colnum=\"17\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c18\" colnum=\"18\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c19\" colnum=\"19\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c20\" colnum=\"20\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c21\" colnum=\"21\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrimer\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 Gy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c13\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 Gy and 50 mg/l ZnONPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"8\" nameend=\"c21\" namest=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 Gy, 50 mg/l ZnONPs and 12% PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePp\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePp%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUn\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c13\" namest=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePp%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c17\" namest=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c19\" namest=\"c18\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c21\" namest=\"c20\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePp%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOPA-01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c18\" namest=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c20\" namest=\"c19\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"1\" nameend=\"c21\" namest=\"c21\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOPA-02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c18\" namest=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c20\" namest=\"c19\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"1\" nameend=\"c21\" namest=\"c21\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0PA-03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.57\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c18\" namest=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c20\" namest=\"c19\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"1\" nameend=\"c21\" namest=\"c21\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOPA-04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c18\" namest=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c20\" namest=\"c19\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"1\" nameend=\"c21\" namest=\"c21\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOPA-05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c18\" namest=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c20\" namest=\"c19\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.57\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"1\" nameend=\"c21\" namest=\"c21\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOPA-06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c18\" namest=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c20\" namest=\"c19\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"1\" nameend=\"c21\" namest=\"c21\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOPA-07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55.56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c18\" namest=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c20\" namest=\"c19\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e85.70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"1\" nameend=\"c21\" namest=\"c21\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOPA-12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44.44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c18\" namest=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c20\" namest=\"c19\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"1\" nameend=\"c21\" namest=\"c21\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOPA-13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c18\" namest=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c20\" namest=\"c19\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"1\" nameend=\"c21\" namest=\"c21\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOPA-14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c18\" namest=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c20\" namest=\"c19\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.57\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"1\" nameend=\"c21\" namest=\"c21\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOPA-15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c18\" namest=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c20\" namest=\"c19\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"1\" nameend=\"c21\" namest=\"c21\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOPA-16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e81.80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e76.92\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c18\" namest=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c20\" namest=\"c19\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"1\" nameend=\"c21\" namest=\"c21\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOPC-10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c18\" namest=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c20\" namest=\"c19\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"1\" nameend=\"c21\" namest=\"c21\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOPC-17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e88.89\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e87.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c18\" namest=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c20\" namest=\"c19\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e72.70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"1\" nameend=\"c21\" namest=\"c21\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOPV-03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c18\" namest=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c20\" namest=\"c19\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"1\" nameend=\"c21\" namest=\"c21\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e101\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e48\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e43\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e8\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e55.45\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e96\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e34\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e55\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e7\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e42.7\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e99\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e41\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e53\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c18\" namest=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e5\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c20\" namest=\"c19\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e46.46\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"1\" nameend=\"c21\" namest=\"c21\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThese molecular marker results are consistent with the cytogenetical findings and the expression patterns of drought-responsive genes, collectively indicating that low-dose of γ-irradiation enhances genetic variability, while 50 mg/L ZnO NPs contribute to maintaining genome stability without inducing severe genetic mutations.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eqRT-PCR and antioxidant antienzymes analysis:\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder non-stressful conditions, the relative expression levels of the transcription factor genes WRKY42, DREB1A, and ERF1 in seedlings were 0.96, 1.00, and 1.02, respectively. Gene expression levels increased slightly when seeds were soaked in a 50 mg/L zinc nitrate solution, reaching 1.30, 1.17, and 1.22 times, respectively. Further increase in these values were detected when seeds were soaked in 50 mg/L zinc oxide nanoparticles, reaching 1.56, 1.31, and 1.4 times for WRKY42, DREB1A, and ERF1, respectively.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDrought stress of 12% PEG resulted in a significant increase in the expression of these genes, with expression levels rising to 4.13, 6.21, and 2.89 times for WRKY42, DREB1A, and ERF1, respectively. An additional increase in transcription factor gene expression was observed when seeds were soaked in Zn(NO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e or ZnO NPs and subsequently germinated in a solution containing 12% polyethylene glycol. Notably, the induction of WRKY42, DREB1A, and ERF1 expression was consistently higher in seedlings derived from ZnO NPs -treated seeds than in those treated with Zn(NO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e. Hierarchical clustering analysis and heat map visualization clearly separated the treatments into two main clusters: one comprising seedlings grown under non-stress conditions, and a second cluster representing seedlings exposed to drought stress (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). The latter cluster was further subdivided into seedlings subjected to polyethylene glycol alone and those derived from seeds pre-soaked in zinc nitrate or zinc oxide nanoparticles prior to drought stress. Among the analyzed transcription factor genes, WRKY42 exhibited the highest level of induction, followed by DREB1A and ERF1.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab16\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 15\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGene expression levels of WRKY42, DREB1A, and ERF1 transcription factor genes in \u003cem\u003eVicia faba\u003c/em\u003e seedlings under the specified treatments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoaking solution\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGermination medium\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWRKY42 (Fold Change)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDREB1A (Fold Change)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eERF1 (Fold Change)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO (Control)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO (Control)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.96\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO (Control)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12% PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.89\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 mg/l Zn (NO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO (Control)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 mg/l ZnO-NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO (Control)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 mg/l Zn (NO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12% PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.91\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 mg/l ZnO-NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12% PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe expression patterns of the antioxidant enzyme-related genes SOD, POX, and CAT followed trends similar to those observed for the transcription factor genes (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab15\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e). Application of ZnO NPs or Zn(NO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, in combination with drought stress, markedly enhanced the activity of these enzymes under both stress and non-stress conditions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab15\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 16\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSOD, POX and CAT activities (U g\u0026sup1; FW for POX, mM NBT min\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026sup1;\u003c/sup\u003e g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e\u0026sup1; FW for SOD U g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e\u0026sup1; FW for CAT) and their relative (rel.) activities (%) for \u003cem\u003eVicia faba\u003c/em\u003e seedlings under the specified treatments.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoaking solution\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGermination medium\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSOD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSOD Rel. Activity (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePOX\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePOX Rel. Activity (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCAT\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCAT Rel. Activity (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO (Control)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.36\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO (Control)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12% PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e250.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e220.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.68\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e175.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 mg/l Zn (NO3)2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e150.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e140.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e141.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 mg/l ZnO-NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDist. H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e180.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e170.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e153.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 mg/l Zn (NO3)2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12% PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e320.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e280.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.15\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e164.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 mg/l ZnO-NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12% PEG\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e380.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e350.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.85\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e157.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"8\"\u003eValues are means of three replicates\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;standard deviation (SD). Statistical significance of differences compared to control: *Significant at P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eAs a consequence of climate change, many countries worldwide are experiencing increasing water scarcity, which adversely affects food security at both national and global levels. Therefore, researchers have been compelled to adopt scientific strategies aimed at maintaining or enhancing plant productivity while reducing water consumption. One such strategy involves identifying moderate drought-tolerant cultivars and improving their capacity to withstand water deficit, particularly in species known to exhibit limited drought tolerance, such as faba beans\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e46\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Previous studies have reported considerable variation in drought tolerance among different faba bean genotypes\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e50\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePreliminary Experiments:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlant sensitivity to abiotic stress is generally highest during the germination and early seedling stages\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e51\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Accordingly, the seedling stage used in the present study, as well as in other investigations, represents a critical developmental phase for evaluating a plant species\u0026rsquo; tolerance to water deficit\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e52\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In this context, the application of a moderate PEG concentration, such as 12%, was appropriate for the objectives of this study and has been recommended by other researchers for inducing controlled drought stress conditions\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e53\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe preliminary experiments conducted in the present study demonstrated that faba bean cv. Giza 843 exhibits a relatively moderate level of drought tolerance, as reflected by a germination percentage of 95% under 12% PEG. However, seedling growth parameters were significantly reduced under these conditions. The inhibitory effect of PEG on both seed germination and seedling growth became more pronounced when PEG concentrations exceeded 12%. Compared with other faba bean cultivars, Giza 843 has been classified as relatively moderate drought tolerant\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR54\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e54\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e46\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Water limitation induced by 12% PEG may reduce water availability required for reserve mobilization from the seed storage tissues to the embryo. In addition, PEG-impaired synthesis of hormone and enzyme, leading to reduced seed germination and seedling growth\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR56 CR57 CR58\" citationid=\"CR55\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e55\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR59\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e59\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Furthermore, the reduction in seedling growth of cv. Giza 843 under 12% PEG stress may be attributed to the observed decrease in seedling water content (Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e) and mitotic activity (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab12\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e), as previously reported\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR54\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e54\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo mitigate the decline in seedling growth of cv. Giza 843 under drought stress, seeds were pretreated prior to germination. Seed soaking, a common seed priming technique was employed with the aim of inducing physiological modifications that could synchronize germination and improve seedling performance under unfavorable environmental conditions (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). However, there is still limited understanding of the mechanisms by which priming, particularly nano-priming using ZnO-NPs, influences seed germination and early growth under both non-stress and stress conditions\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e60\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Accordingly, a moderate concentration of ZnO-NPs (50 mg L⁻\u0026sup1;), as recommended by Zhao et al.\u003csup\u003e61\u003c/sup\u003e (2025), was used as a priming agent for different soaking durations. The most favorable results in terms of germination percentage and seedling growth parameters were obtained when seeds were soaked in 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs for 8 h (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). Several advantages of seed priming have been reported in faba bean cv. Giza 843 and other plant species, including enhanced germination rate, improved seedling establishment, efficient water utilization\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR62\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e62\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, promoted root growth and early plant vigor\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR63\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e63\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEffect of seed priming in Zn(NO₃)₂ or ZnO-NPs under non-stress or stress condition\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeed priming can be performed using various agents. However, significant research gaps remain regarding the most effective sources and concentrations of these agents for improving stress tolerance\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR64\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e64\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Moreover, there is still limited understanding of how nano-priming influences seed germination and early seedling growth in faba beans and other plant species under both non-stress and stress conditions\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e60\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnder non-stress conditions, seed priming for 8 hours with 50 mg/L of either Zn(NO₃)₂ or ZnO-NPs resulted in 100% germination and significantly improved seedling growth parameters compared with the control. El-Temsah \u0026amp; Joner\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR65\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e65\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e reported that seeds presoaked in nanoparticles for 8 hours and subsequently germinated under non-stress conditions exhibited minimal toxic effects on germination. The observed increase in germination and seedling growth following Zn application may be attributed to the role of zinc as an activator in the biosynthesis of tryptophan, a precursor involved in auxin biosynthesis\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR66\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e66\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, leading to efficient crop establishment\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR63\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e63\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnder stress conditions, seed soaking in 100 mg/L Zn(NO₃)₂ or 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs not only mitigated the reduction in seedling growth parameters caused by germination in 12% PEG solution but also enhanced these parameters beyond control levels (Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). In several plant species, the application of moderate concentrations of ZnO-NPs or Zn(NO₃)₂ (10\u0026ndash;100 mg/L) significantly increased seed germination and seedling growth compared with controls\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR68\" citationid=\"CR67\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e67\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR69\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e69\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR61\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e61\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The present findings also revealed a significant reduction in seedling water content under drought stress; however, zinc application markedly increased water content, consistent with previous reports\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR69\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e69\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR70\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e70\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Seed soaking in 100 mg/L Zn(NO₃)₂ resulted in a greater increase in seedling water content than soaking in 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs. Zinc, whether supplied as Zn(NO₃)₂ or ZnO-NPs, alleviated drought stress by improving plant water relations, enhancing photosynthetic efficiency, activating antioxidant defense systems, stabilizing cell membranes, and promoting osmolyte accumulation\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR71\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e71\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Collectively, these effects improved water use efficiency and, consequently, plant growth under drought conditions\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR72\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e72\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Enhancement of growth parameters observed in cv. Giza 843 seedlings under 12% PEG stress following Zn(NO₃)₂ or ZnO-NP priming may be explained by the upregulation of drought-responsive transcription factors (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab16\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e) and antioxidant enzymes (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab15\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e). In addition, Zn-priming stimulated the biosynthesis of plant hormones (gibberellins and auxins), thereby promoting root and shoot elongation, increasing fresh and dry biomass, and reducing the deleterious effects of water deficit\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR73\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e73\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR74\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e74\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e60\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The results indicate that priming with 100 mg/L Zn(NO₃)₂ was more effective than 50 mg L⁻\u0026sup1; ZnO-NPs in enhancing drought tolerance of faba bean cv. Giza 843. Although ZnO-NPs possess a high capacity to penetrate the seed coat\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR75\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e75\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and contribute to the synthesis of essential components required for plant growth\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR76\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e76\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, Zn(NO₃)₂ provides two essential ions, Zn\u0026sup2;⁺ and NO₃⁻, both of which play critical roles in plant nutrition, metabolism, and growth regulation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eEffect of γ-irradiation and ZnO-NPs combination on seed germination and seedling growth under non-stress or stress condition\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the present study, γ-irradiation was employed due to ease of application, deep penetration capacity, and reproducibility, as well as its reported ability to improve drought stress tolerance\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR77\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e77\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnder non-stress conditions and relative to the control (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e), seed germination of cv. Giza 843 was not affected by exposure to low doses of γ-irradiation (50 or 100 Gy), as germination frequency remained at 100%. Under these conditions, seedling exposed to 50 Gy exhibited enhanced radicle and plumule lengths as well as increased fresh and dry weights of both organs, consistent with previous reports\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR78\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e78\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Consistent with the present findings, Al Sayed et al.\u003csup\u003e44\u003c/sup\u003e reported that exposure to 50 Gy significantly enhanced vegetative growth during early developmental stages. In contrast, higher doses (150 or 200 Gy) resulted in a marked reduction in germination percentage to 83.33%, and negatively affected seedling growth parameters, possibly due to excessive production of ROS, which can impair cellular metabolism\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR79\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e79\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR80\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e80\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The effects of gamma ray doses on seeds may be related to DNA repair mechanisms following water absorption\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR81\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e81\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, where the efficiency of repair depends on the radiation dose. Accordingly, effective repair is more likely at relatively low doses (e.g., 50 Gy), while high doses (e.g., 200 Gy) may cause irreversible damage, leading to increased chromosomal abnormalities (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab12\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e). Under non-stress conditions, seedling growth parameters were significantly improved using 50 Gy. Further enhancement of growth parameters was observed when γ-irradiated seeds were soaked in a moderate concentration of ZnO-NPs (50 mg/L). However, ZnO-NP priming failed to alleviate the detrimental effects associated with the application of high γ-irradiation doses (200 Gy). It is noteworthy that DNA repair processes may themselves introduce chromosomal abnormalities when repair capacity is exceeded\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR82\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e82\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, a phenomenon detectable through cytogenetic, molecular marker, and gene expression analyses (Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab12\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab15\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnder drought stress, exposure to a low γ-irradiation dose (50 Gy) enhanced plant resilience to moderate drought stress, without inducing severe genetic damage\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Consequently, seeds exposed to 50 Gy exhibited superior germination and seedling growth compared with non-irradiated plants under stress conditions (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e), in agreement with previous studies\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. High doses of gamma rays (100\u0026ndash;150 Gray) combined with insufficient water absorption during germination due to the presence of 12% PEG led to insufficient repair of chromosomal damage, resulting in reduced plant metabolism and consequently seedling growth parameters\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR83\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e83\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Seed exposure to a 50 Gy didn\u0026rsquo;t improve seed germination and seedling growth (one week), but rather improved growth in the early stages (four weeks) of cv. Giza 843 under both stress and non-stress conditions (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e). Growth reduction resulting from exposure to 12% PEG stress was addressed during the early growth stages when the seeds were exposed to 50 GY and the plants were sprayed foliarly with 50 mg Zn NO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab10\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e). During foliar application, ZnO-NPs can be absorbed through stomata and the cuticle and subsequently translocated via the phloem to different plant organs\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR84\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e84\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Low doses of γ-irradiation (50\u0026ndash;100 Gy) enhanced abiotic stress tolerance and disease resistance in several crop species\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. ZnO-NPs may promote the repair of radiation-induced damage, although they cannot completely eliminate it, resulting in increased chromosomal abnormalities and genetic polymorphism (Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab12\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab14\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e). The protective effect of ZnO-NPs depends on γ-irradiation dose and nanoparticle concentration applied\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR85\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e85\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eEffect of gamma irradiation on\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003ein vitro\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eculture of cotyledonary node\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExposure of faba bean cv. Giza 843 cotyledonary node explants to low dose (50 Gy) reduced shoot regeneration frequency but enhanced shoot growth significantly compared with the non-irradiated control (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab11\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e). This stimulatory effect may be attributed to radiation-induced activation of cellular metabolism and cell division, a phenomenon commonly referred to as radiation hormesis\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR80\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e80\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Similar improvements in \u003cem\u003ein vitro\u003c/em\u003e regeneration following low-dose γ-irradiation have been reported in several plant species\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR78\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e78\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In contrast, higher γ-irradiation doses (100, 150, and 200 Gy) resulted in a pronounced reduction in shoot formation frequency, shoot number per explant, and shoot length. The inhibitory effects observed at higher doses may be attributed to radiation-induced damage to DNA, membranes, and proteins, which ultimately disrupts mitotic activity and cellular differentiation processes\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR79\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e79\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The observed decline in regeneration capacity at higher irradiation doses was consistent with the reduction in mitotic index and increased chromosomal abnormalities reported in cytogenetical analyses (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab12\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e), which negatively affect cell division and regeneration potential\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR86\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e86\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. At low doses, DNA repair processes can restore genomic integrity while simultaneously stimulating cellular proliferation\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR81\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e81\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Low irradiation doses have been reported to enhance cytokinin and auxin activity, thereby promoting \u003cem\u003ein vitro\u003c/em\u003e shoot formation, whereas higher doses disrupt hormonal homeostasis and inhibit organogenesis\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR80\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e80\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In faba bean cv. Giza 843, low-dose γ-irradiation significantly increased not only the number of shoots formed per explant but also inhibited vitrification symptoms. The avoidance of vitrification is an essential prerequisite for the successful establishment of \u003cem\u003ein vitro\u003c/em\u003e\u0026ndash;grown plants\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR87\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e87\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In other plant species, the application of higher γ-irradiation doses (150\u0026ndash;200 Gy) to seeds led to stimulation of plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis pathway\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCytogenetical analysis\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCytogenetical analysis is a valuable tool for evaluating the genotoxic effects of environmental stresses and physical treatments on plant cells, particularly during early developmental stages (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab12\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e). Exposure to drought stress induced by 12% PEG resulted in a significant reduction in MI compared with the control, indicating a pronounced inhibitory effect on mitotic activity. This reduction reflects the negative impact of water deficit on cell cycle progression, which may be attributed to decreased water availability, impaired metabolic activity, and disruption of DNA replication\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR88\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e88\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Similar reductions in mitotic activity under drought stress have been reported in several plant species\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR54\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e54\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR59\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e59\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow-dose of γ-irradiation (50 Gy) significantly increased MI compared with drought-stressed plants, suggesting a stimulatory effect on cell division. This enhancement may be explained by radiation hormesis, whereby low doses of ionizing radiation activate cellular metabolism and DNA repair mechanisms, leading to improved mitotic activity\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR78\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e78\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In contrast, higher γ-irradiation doses (100\u0026ndash;200 Gy) caused a substantial decrease in MI and a pronounced increase in chromosomal abnormalities, reflecting dose-dependent genotoxic effects. The elevated frequency of chromosomal aberrations observed at higher irradiation doses can be attributed to excessive DNA damage that exceeds the repair capacity of the cell\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR86\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e86\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. These effects were particularly evident under combined drought and high-dose γ-irradiation treatments.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeed priming with ZnO-NPs markedly increased MI and reduced the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities compared with seedlings produced under water stress of 12% PEG only or those produced under 12% PEG stress in combination with low γ-irradiation (50 Gy). This protective effect may be attributed to the role of zinc in stabilizing cell membranes and facilitating DNA repair processes by reducing oxidative damage of water stress\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR72\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e72\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e60\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e or low-dose irradiation, thereby mitigating genotoxic damage and promoting normal cell division\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR85\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e85\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe obtained results are consistent with previous reports demonstrating that exposure to high doses of radiation and water deficit stress can disrupt normal cell division and retard plant growth\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR89\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e89\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR77\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e77\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The three detected major classes of chromosomal aberrations\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e were observed under the applied conditions. Class I aberrations were associated with disturbances in the spindle apparatus and their subsequent effects, leading to abnormalities such as C-metaphase and lagging chromosomes. Class II comprised clastogenic chromosome aberrations, resulting in chromosomal bridges, fragments, micronuclei, and ring chromosomes. Class III included chromosome stickiness.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eMolecular Analysis:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe detected polymorphism using molecular marker techniques (Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab13\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan refid=\"Tab14\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e) are consistent with those obtained using cytogenetical technique. Under the stress conditions of 12% PEG, both techniques showed that the values ​​of chromosomal changes resulting from exposure of seeds to 50 Gy decreased when the irradiated seeds were soaked in a 50 mg/L ZnO NPs (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab12\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e). These changes reflect radiation-induced DNA damage, including mutations, deletions, and chromosomal rearrangements\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR86\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e86\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR81\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e81\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Soaking the seeds with 50 mg/L ZnO NPs reduced chromosomal changes expressed as DNA polymorphisms under no-stress conditions or even under 12% PEG stress, regardless of the type of technique used, whether ISSR or RAPD. This protective effect may be attributed to the role of zinc in enhancing antioxidant defense systems and stabilizing cellular structures, thereby reducing oxidative damage to DNA. Zinc has also been reported to participate in DNA repair processes by maintaining the structural integrity of DNA-binding proteins and repair enzymes\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR72\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e72\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e60\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, suggesting a balance between induced genetic variation and enhanced repair capacity. Similar interactions between physical mutagens and nanoparticle treatments have been reported to enhance stress tolerance while supporting genome stability\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR85\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e85\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePolymorphism resulting from 50 Gy did not negatively affect the faba bean plant\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e; rather, their effect was positive, where it was associated with improve of seed germination and plant growth at early stage even under stress conditions\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In \u003cem\u003eV. faba\u003c/em\u003e, while application of 50 Gy alone or in combination with 59 mg/L ZnO-NPs increases chromosomal abnormalities and polymorphism than non-irradiated/non-stressed control, they did not cause severe genetic mutations\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR82\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e82\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e even under moderate stress conditions leading to improve drought stress tolerance.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eTranscription factors antioxidant enzymes analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTranscription factors and antioxidant enzymes play central roles in plant responses to abiotic stress by regulating stress-responsive gene expression and maintaining cellular redox homeostasis\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR90\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e90\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR91\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e91\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In the present study, the expression patterns of selected drought-responsive transcription factors and the activities of key antioxidant enzymes were analyzed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying drought tolerance induced by 12% PEG and ZnO-NP priming, and their combined treatments (Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab16\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan refid=\"Tab15\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e). Under drought condition (12% PEG), the expression of WRKY, DREB1, and ERFs was higher in plants pre-soaked with ZnO-NPs than in their Zn(NO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-soaked counterparts, both of which were higher than in plants subjected for stress without pre-soaking the seeds in either solution. These increases in the expression of each transcriptional factor stimulated specific biochemical processes, which worked together to achieve drought tolerance. For example, the overexpression of DREB1 family conferred drought tolerance via increase of photosynthetic efficiency and, accumulation of osmoprotectants\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, while WRKY TFs mitigates drought stress through reduction of water losses, and retardation of ROS accumulation\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR92\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e92\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In addition, ERFs enhance the production of osmoprotectants and ROS scavenging leading to control drought tolerance\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and enhance seed germination and plant growth at early stage.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn faba bean cv Giza 843, drought stress markedly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, CAT and POD. This enhancement represents an adaptive response to elevated levels of ROS generated under water deficit. Although moderate activation of antioxidant enzymes is essential for ROS scavenging, excessive ROS accumulation under prolonged stress can overwhelm the antioxidant system, leading to oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR57\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e57\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR59\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e59\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Seed priming with ZnO-NPs significantly enhanced both transcription factor expression and antioxidant enzyme activities under drought stress. Zinc plays a crucial role in maintaining enzyme structure and function, stabilizing membranes, and regulating gene expression associated with stress tolerance. ZnO-NP priming likely improved cellular redox balance by enhancing ROS scavenging efficiency, thereby protecting cellular components from oxidative damage\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR72\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e72\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e60\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In accordance with this work, El-Shazoly\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR64\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e64\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e found that seed priming with bulk ZnO or NPs significantly increased the activities of APX, CAT, and POD in leaves and roots at 60% field capacity compared with those of non-primed stressed plants. Also, Sistu et al.\u003csup\u003e93\u003c/sup\u003e reported that tolerant genotypes increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes in comparison with that under normal conditions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eDrought stress markedly impairs physiological performance, cell division, genome stability, and redox balance in faba bean cv. Giza 843. These negative effects, however, can be alleviated through targeted seed priming and physical treatments. Seed priming with zinc, particularly ZnO NPs, significantly enhanced drought tolerance by improving growth, mitotic activity, genome stability, antioxidant capacity, and stress-responsive gene expression. Gamma irradiation showed dose-dependent effects, with low-dose exposure (50 Gy) stimulating growth and stress adaptation, whereas higher doses caused genotoxic damage. Notably, the combined application of low-dose γ-irradiation and ZnO-NP priming produced the greatest improvements across physiological, cytogenetical, molecular, and biochemical parameters, enhancing antioxidant defenses and genetic stability. Overall, this study supports the combined use of low-dose γ-irradiation and ZnO-NP seed priming as an effective strategy to improve drought tolerance in faba bean under water-limited conditions.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Materials and Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant material, seed sterilization, and germination\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeeds of \u003cem\u003eVicia faba\u003c/em\u003e L. cv. Giza 843 were obtained from the Leguminous Crops Research Department, Agricultural Research Center, Sohag, Egypt. Seeds were surface sterilized by immersing the seeds in 70% (v/v) ethanol for 30 sec, followed by treatment with sodium hypochlorite solution (commercial bleach, 5% v/v) for 5 min and then mercuric chloride solution (0.1% w/v) for 2 min. After the last step, seeds were thoroughly rinsed three times with sterile distilled water to remove any residual sterilizing agents.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSterilized seeds were germinated in Petri dishes or glass jars according to the experimental design and incubated in a growth chamber at 25\u0026deg;C under a photoperiod of 16 hrs light and 8 hrs dark. Percentage of seed germination, seedling growth parameters including radicle length, plumule length, radicle fresh weight, plumule fresh weight, radicle dry weight, and plumule dry weight, were measured. For each treatment of the following experiments was fulfilled using three replicates with 30 seeds per replicate, and all experiments were repeated three times.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDetermination of the optimal soaking period in ZnO-NPs\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were prepared and characterized as described previously\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e94\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Sterilized seeds were soaked in an aqueous solution containing 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs for different time intervals (0, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hrs).Then, seeds were transferred to Petri dishes (10 cm diameter) lined with filter paper moistened with 15 ml distilled water. Seeds were incubated at 25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2\u0026deg;C for one week. Germination percentage and seedling growth parameters were recorded to determine the optimal soaking duration.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDetermination of optimal concentrations of ZnO-NPs and Zn(NO₃)₂ for seed germination and seedling growth\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSterilized seeds were soaked for 8 hrs in five different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/L) of either ZnO-NPs or zinc nitrate hexahydrate (Zn(NO₃)₂\u0026middot;6H₂O). Then, seeds were transferred to Petri dishes containing filter paper moistened with 15 ml distilled water and incubated at 25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2\u0026deg;C under a 16 hrs light and 8 hrs dark photoperiod for one week of incubation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEffect of ZnO-NPs and Zn(NO₃)₂ on seed germination under normal and drought stress conditions\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSterilized seeds were soaked for 8 hrs in 50 and 100 mg/L of ZnO-NPs or Zn(NO₃)₂\u0026middot;6H₂O. Seeds were then germinated either under non-stress conditions using distilled water or under drought stress conditions induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) at a concentration of 12% for one week.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGamma irradiation treatment\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDry seeds of \u003cem\u003eVicia faba\u003c/em\u003e L. cv. Giza 843 were exposed to \u0026gamma;-irradiation at the National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt. A cobalt-60 source was used for irradiation. Seeds were irradiated with doses of 50, 100, 150, and 200 Gy. Non-irradiated seeds were used as controls in all experiments.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEffect of \u0026gamma;-irradiation and ZnO-NPs on seed germination and seedling growth under non-stress conditions\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIrradiated and non-irradiated seeds were soaked for 8 hrs in solutions containing either 50 or 100 mg/L ZnO-NPs or in sterile distilled water. Seeds were placed in glass jars containing filter papers, each moistened with 15 ml sterile distilled water. Seeds were incubated at 25\u0026deg;C under a 16 hrs light and 8 hrs dark photoperiod for one week.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEffect of \u0026gamma;-irradiation on seed germination and seedling growth under drought stress\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo assess the effect of \u0026gamma;-irradiation under drought stress conditions, irradiated and non-irradiated seeds were germinated in Petri dishes containing filter paper moistened with 15 ml of 12% PEG solution. Seeds were incubated for one week at 25\u0026deg;C under a 16 hrs light and 8 hrs dark photoperiod.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEffect of \u0026gamma;-irradiation and ZnO-NPs on early stage of plant growth under drought stress\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIrradiated (50 Gy) and non-irradiated seeds were soaked for 8 hrs in 100 ml of 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs or distilled water. Seeds were sown in a pot filled with sawdust, open at the bottom to allow excess water or PEG to drain. Plants were grown for one month at 25\u0026deg;C with a 16 hrs light and 8 hrs dark photoperiod. Drought stress was imposed by irrigating plants with 10 ml of 12% PEG solution every day, whereas control plants were irrigated with water.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo investigate the effect of foliar application of 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs on early stage of plant growth, seeds were soaked for 8 hrs in distilled water and sown in plastic pots filled with sawdust and grown for 15 days at 25\u0026deg;C with a 16 hrs light and 8 hrs dark photoperiod. Plants were daily irrigated with either 10 ml of water or 12% PEG solution. Plants with 15 days old were subjected to foliar spraying using 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs three times at four-day intervals. Plants were harvested after further 15 days.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEffect of \u0026gamma;-irradiation on\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ein vitro\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eregeneration\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCotyledonary node explants (0.5\u0026ndash;1.0 cm) were excised from aseptically grown seedlings (five days old) derived from non-irradiated or irradiated seeds (50, 100, 150, or 200 Gy). Explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e95\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e medium (MS medium) supplemented with 4 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). Cultures were incubated at 25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2\u0026deg;C under a 16 hrs photoperiod with a light intensity of 100 \u0026micro;mol m⁻\u0026sup2; s⁻\u0026sup1; for four weeks. Regeneration frequency, number of shoots per explant, and shoot growth parameters were recorded.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec22\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCytogenetic analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSterile seeds that had not been exposed to \u0026gamma;-irradiation were germinated in Petri dishes on filter papers moistened with 15 ml of distilled water or 12% PEG. Seeds exposed to different doses of \u0026gamma;-irradiation (50, 100, 150, and 200 GY) were germinated on filter papers moistened with 15 ml of 12% PEG. To study the cumulative effect of both \u0026gamma;-irradiation and zinc nanoparticles, the following experiments were done: 1) A group of seeds exposed to 50 GY were germinated in Petri dishes containing filter papers moistened with 15 ml of 12% PEG: a) A group of seeds exposed to 50 GY \u0026gamma;-irradiation were soaked in a 50 ml solution of 50 mg/L of zinc nanoparticles and germinated in a solution containing 12% PEG for 5 days. Seedling root tips were then prepared for cytogenetical analysis, and mitotic activity and chromosomal abnormalities were recorded according to Hassanein et al\u003csup\u003e49\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec23\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePCR analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeedlings subjected for 50 Gy and soaked in a solution containing 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs and germinated in a solution containing 12% PEG were subjected for DNA extraction as previously described\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e49\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec24\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRAPD-PCR analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFifteen RAPD primers [OPA-01, OPA-02, OPA-03, OPA-04, OPA-05, OPA-06, OPA-07, OPA-12, OPA-13, OPA-14, OPA-15, OPA-16, OPC-10, OPC-17, and OPV-03] were used to amplify genomic DNA from treated faba beans seedlings. Ten seedlings treated with gamma rays (50 Gy) or gamma rays in combination with seed soaking in 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs either under non-stressed or stressed (12% PEG) conditions were analyzed. PCR reactions (25 \u0026micro;L) contained 12.5 \u0026micro;L master mix, 6.5 \u0026micro;L deionized water, 3 \u0026micro;L primer, and 3 \u0026micro;L template DNA. Amplification was performed using a GeneAmp PCR System 9700 under the following conditions: initial denaturation at 94\u0026deg;C for 5 min; 40 cycles of 94\u0026deg;C for 45 sec, 36\u0026deg;C for 50 sec, and 72\u0026deg;C for 1 min; followed by a final extension at 72\u0026deg;C for 7 min.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec25\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eISSR-PCR analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFifteen ISSR [HB-10, HB-15, ISSR-1, ISSR-2, UBC-808, UBC-811, UBC-817, 807,834, 835, 841, 844-A, 844-B, 876, and 899] were used to amplify the genomic DNA templates of 10 faba bean cv. Giza 843 seedling treated with gamma rays (50 Gy) or gamma rays in combination with seed soaking in 50 mg/l ZnO-NPs either under non-stressed or stressed (12% PEG) conditions. The ISSR-PCR technique was performed as described by Nagaoka \u0026amp; Ogihara\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e96\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. DNA amplification reactions were carried out in 25 \u0026micro;l end volumes containing the same components of RAPD reactions except those primers. The amplification was accomplished using 40 cycles of 1 min at 95\u0026deg;C for denaturation, 1 min at 48\u0026deg;C for annealing, and 2 min at 72\u0026deg;C for extension. The final incubation step was carried out at 72\u0026deg;C for 10 min to ensure that the primer extension reaction goes on completion.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec26\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReal-Time Quantitative PCR Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTotal RNA was extracted and reverse-transcribed to cDNA. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed using SYBR Green chemistry on a Rotor-Gene 6000 system. Each 20 \u0026micro;L reaction contained 10 \u0026micro;L SYBR Green master mix, 2 \u0026micro;L cDNA template, and 2 \u0026micro;L each of forward and reverse primers. Thermal cycling conditions were 95\u0026deg;C for 15 min, followed by 40 cycles of 95\u0026deg;C for 30 sec and 58\u0026deg;C for 30 sec. Relative gene expression was calculated using the 2⁻\u0026Delta;\u0026Delta;Ct method with \u0026beta;-actin and GAPDH as reference genes\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e97\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec27\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEstimation of antioxidant enzymes activity:\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec28\" class=\"Section4\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDetermination of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSOD (EC 1.15.1.1) activity were measured according to the method described by Beauchamp et al.\u003csup\u003e98\u003c/sup\u003e. Reaction mixture (3 ml) was prepared containing 50 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.8), 9.9 mM L-methionine, 57 mM nitrobluetetrazolium, and 0.0044% (w/v) riboflavin. The formation of purple formazan resulting from the photoreduction of nitrobluetetrazolium was measured spectrophotometrically at 560 nm. SOD activity was defined as the amount of enzyme required to inhibit nitrobluetetrazolium photoreduction, using an extinction coefficient (E) of 10.3 mM cm⁻\u0026sup1;. Enzyme activity was expressed as mM nitrobluetetrazolium reduced min⁻\u0026sup1; g⁻\u0026sup1; fresh weight.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec29\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDetermination of peroxidase (POD) activity\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePOD (EC 1.11.1.7) activity was determined using 50 \u0026micro;L of the prepared enzyme extract in a total reaction mixture volume of 3 mL. The reaction mixture consisted of 40 mM phosphate buffer (pH 6.5), 0.1 mM EDTA, 25 mM guaiacol, and 15 mM hydrogen peroxide. POX activity was assayed by monitoring the oxidation of guaiacol spectrophotometrically at 470 nm, using an extinction coefficient (E) of 26.6 mM cm⁻\u0026sup1;. Enzyme activity was expressed as \u0026micro;mol of guaiacol oxidized min⁻\u0026sup1; g⁻\u0026sup1; fresh weight at 25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2\u0026deg;C, according to Zhang\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e99\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and MacAdams et al.\u003csup\u003e100\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDetermination of catalase (CAT) activity\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCAT (EC 1.11.1.6) activity was determined according to Aebi\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e101\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e using protein extracts prepared from seedlings grown under the applied experimental conditions. The reaction mixture (3.0 mL) consisted of 50 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.0), 0.1 mM EDTA, 25 mM hydrogen peroxide, and 50 \u0026micro;L of enzyme extract. CAT activity was assayed by monitoring the decrease in hydrogen peroxide absorbance at 240 nm and quantified using its molar extinction coefficient (39.4 M⁻\u0026sup1; cm⁻\u0026sup1;). Enzyme activity was expressed as mM hydrogen peroxide decomposed min⁻\u0026sup1; g⁻\u0026sup1; fresh weight.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.15. Statistical analysis\u003c/strong\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExperiments were planned in a completely randomized design. Data were statistically analyzed as means\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;standard deviations (SDs) as described by Snedecor \u0026amp; Cochran\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e102\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed using the software SPSS 16. Level of Significance was measured running the Tukey test, and P\u0026thinsp;\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;0.05 was considered as significant.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e \u003ch2\u003eInstitutional Review Board Statement\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003ch2\u003eConflicts of Interest:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe authors have no conflict of interest.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eInformed Consent Statement\u003c/b\u003e: Not applicable.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFunding:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere is no financial funding from any governmental or non-governmental entity.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA.M.H. and A.M.B. proposed the idea. J.M.S. and D.M.S. designed the experimental work. G.R.E. brought the plant specimens and performed the experimental measurements. A.M.H. and G.R.E. analyzed and interpreted the data and wrote the manuscript. D.M.S. and J.M.S. performed the calculations, statistical analysis and gel analysis. A.M.B., D.M.S. and J.M.S revised the manuscript, checked and adjusted the plagiarism. G.R.E. acted as a corresponding author. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgement\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAcknowledgments: The authors would like to thank Moneim Shamloul of the Fraun Hofer USA Center for Molecular Biotechnology, Newark, DE, USA, for English language revision. Also, we would like to thank all the members at National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt for their help in radiating the faba bean seeds that were used in this study.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePan, X. Y., Wang, Y. F., Wang, G. X., Cao, Q. D. \u0026amp; Wang, J. 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G. \u003cem\u003eStatistical Methods\u003c/em\u003e 7th edn (Iowa State Univ., 1980).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"scientific-reports","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"scirep","sideBox":"Learn more about [Scientific Reports](http://www.nature.com/srep/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"Scientific Reports","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Scientific Reports","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Gamma irradiation, zinc oxide nanoparticles, drought stress, antioxidant enzymes, transcription factors, tissue culture","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9073492/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9073492/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eZinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and γ-irradiation have been individually applied to enhance drought tolerance in plants; however, their combined effects on germination, growth, genome stability, gene expression, and \u003cem\u003ein vitro\u003c/em\u003e propagation remain insufficiently explored. In this study, seeds of \u003cem\u003eVicia faba\u003c/em\u003e L. cv. Giza 843 were treated with different doses of γ-irradiation (50, 100, 150, and 200 Gy) and concentrations of ZnO-NPs (25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/L), as well as with a combined treatment of the optimal γ-irradiation dose (50 Gy) and ZnO-NP concentration (50 mg/L), under both non-stress and drought stress conditions induced by 12% polyethylene glycol (PEG). Under non-stress conditions, seed priming with either γ-irradiation or ZnO-NPs, as well as their combination, significantly improved growth parameters. Under drought stress, reductions in germination, seedling growth (one week), and early vegetative growth (four weeks) were markedly alleviated, and in some cases surpassed control values, when seeds were primed with either 50 Gy γ-irradiation or 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs. The combined treatment enhanced shoot and root dry weights under non-stress conditions, although its synergistic effect was less pronounced under drought stress. Cytogenetic analysis and RAPD/ISSR markers revealed that ZnO-NP priming reduced γ-irradiation-induced chromosomal abnormalities and genetic polymorphism. ZnO-NPs and Zn(NO₃)₂ increased the expression of drought-responsive transcription factors (DREB1A, ERF1, and WRKY42) and antioxidant enzyme activities, particularly under drought stress. Additionally, low-dose γ-irradiation markedly improved \u003cem\u003ein vitro\u003c/em\u003e shoot formation, overcoming the recalcitrance of \u003cem\u003eV. faba\u003c/em\u003e to tissue culture. Overall, γ-irradiation and ZnO-NP priming enhance drought tolerance, genome stability, and regeneration capacity in \u003cem\u003eV. faba\u003c/em\u003e, offering promising tools for crop improvement under water-limited conditions.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Cytogenetical, molecular and gene expression studies to evaluate the effects of γ-ray and ZnO nanoparticles on Vicia faba under drought stress","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-04-26 17:08:00","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9073492/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"115390445427438944684753201759378277191","date":"2026-04-19T16:03:34+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-04-17T07:02:37+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"174555669164639360402505475201539154301","date":"2026-04-17T06:29:32+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2026-04-17T05:35:37+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2026-03-16T11:42:36+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2026-03-12T08:17:18+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2026-03-12T08:16:30+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Scientific Reports","date":"2026-03-09T13:09:49+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"scientific-reports","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"scirep","sideBox":"Learn more about [Scientific Reports](http://www.nature.com/srep/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"Scientific Reports","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Scientific Reports","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"7f11a762-d375-489c-8d1e-ebdc7803e383","owner":[],"postedDate":"April 26th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[{"id":66687509,"name":"Biological sciences/Biotechnology"},{"id":66687510,"name":"Biological sciences/Plant sciences"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-04-26T17:08:00+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-04-26 17:08:00","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-9073492","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-9073492","identity":"rs-9073492","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}