Graphitic Carbon Nitride as a Nanostimulant in Basil Microgreens: Insights into Growth, Flavonoid Content, and Water Stress Response

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) exhibits strong adsorption and photocatalytic activity through reactive oxygen species generation, which also mediate plant stress responses. This study evaluated the effects of g-C 3 N 4 on growth and secondary metabolites in basil ( Ocimum basilicum L.) microgreens under water deficit. The nanomaterial was synthesized by calcination and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and dynamic light scattering-electrophoretic light scattering (DLS-ELS). Plants were grown under two hydration regimes (50 and 100% water replacement) and five g-C 3 N 4 concentrations (0–250 mg L –1 ). Foliar applications were performed at 7 and 14 days after sowing, and plants were harvested at day 21. Under 50% water replacement, g-C 3 N 4 enhanced growth, increasing leaf area by 34% at 100 mg L –1, stem length by 23 and 19% at 50 and 100 mg L –1, respectively, and root length by 17% at 250 mg L –1 compared to the untreated control. Terpenoid profiles remained unchanged, while flavonoid content increased by 49.98% and 42.87% at 100 and 200 mg L –1, respectively, under water stress. Overall, g-C 3 N 4 acted as a modulator of physiological responses, enhancing stress tolerance in basil microgreens.