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Publication Effect of Nano-Sulfur on Crop Productivity and Food Safety(2024-09) Sharma, SudhirThis study investigated the efficacy of nanosulfur compared to other sulfur forms in reducing heavy metal accumulation and toxicity in rice, soybean, and wheat. We also studied its potential use as a novel sulfur fertilizer. We found out that Nanosulfur (NS) soil amendment significantly alleviated arsenic (As) toxicity in rice as rice seedlings co-exposed to arsenite (AsIII) and NS showed substantial increases in growth and lowered As levels in roots, shoots, flag leaves, and grains. NS modulated gene expression related to As transport and sulfur assimilation and possibly reduced arsenite to the insoluble arsenic sulfide in the soil to reduce As bioavailability. Nanosulfur also effectively reduced silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) toxicity in soybeans as plants grown with NS+AgNP treatment exhibited better growth and less Ag accumulation in roots and shoots compared to AgNPs alone. In wheat, we tested different types of sulfur viz. bulk sulfur (BS), nanosulfur, ionic sulfur (IS), and stearic acid-coated nanosulfur (SA) as soil amendments to reduce cadmium (Cd). We found that particulate sulfur (BS, NS, SA) reduced soil pH and increased Cd accumulation, whereas ionic sulfur (sodium sulfate) did not lower soil pH as much, resulting in lower Cd accumulation in the plants. BS showed the most significant reduction in soil pH resulting in the most Cd accumulation. We also noted varietal differences with variety 'Louise' being more Cd-sensitive than 'Bobwhite'. As a novel sulfur fertilizer source in rice, NS application led to significant increases in biomass and grain yield compared to control and BS-treated plants. NS provided stable sulfate concentrations over time, enhancing its efficacy. In wheat, foliar applications of different sulfur forms positively influenced productivity but soil amendment with NS100 outperformed other treatments, improving agronomic and physiological traits. Similarly, soybean plants treated with NS showed increased biomass, seed yield, and nutrient accumulation. Varietal differences were observed, with 'William 82' responding better to NS than 'Thorne', indicating the need for targeted strategies based on specific plant varieties. In conclusion, nanosulfur proves to be a valuable tool in mitigating heavy metal toxicity and enhancing crop productivity.