Innovation of chaga mushroom-derived nanoparticles (CNPs) and assessment of effects on germination, agronomic performance, and phytochemistry of Cannabis sativa

Fordjour, Eric

Innovation of chaga mushroom-derived nanoparticles (CNPs) and assessment of effects on germination, agronomic performance, and phytochemistry of Cannabis sativa

Files

fordjour_eric_phd_2025_thesis.pdf (8.66 MB)

Date

2025-08-14

Authors

Fordjour, Eric

Abstract

Advances in nanotechnology have significantly improved the agricultural sector. The shift towards sustainable crop production has necessitated the adoption of eco-friendly management practices, such as the use of nano-biofertilizers over synthetic fertilizers. As specially formulated organic fertilizers, nano-biofertilizers better optimize nutrient retention and availability as compared to synthetic fertilizers. Previous reports on the development and use of these chaga mushroom-derived nanoparticles (CNPs) as nano-biofertilizer are non-existent in the current literature. Cannabis cultivation is constrained by poor germination, high nutrient demands, low nutrient use efficiency, and reliance on synthetic inputs. Strict fertilizer regulations by Health Canada, combined with economic and environmental concerns, demonstrate the importance of sustainable, organic alternatives. Nano-biofertilizers offer a sustainable way to boost crop yields while reducing environmental impacts. This study addresses a critical knowledge gap by investigating chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus)-derived nanoparticles (CNPs) as a sustainable nano-biofertilizer for enhancing cannabis cultivation. Green chemistry methods were employed to produce CNPs from chaga samples collected in Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland, and Labrador. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) detected spherical shapes and diameters of the nanoparticles, ranging from 7.3 to 113 nm. While asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4), fluorescence spectroscopy, ICP-OES, GC-MS, and HPLC were used to analyze particle size, fluorophores, elemental profiles, terpenoids, and polyphenols, respectively. My study evaluated the agronomic potential of CNPs in two phases: (1) assessing the effects of CNPs on seed germination and early growth, and (2) evaluating the synergistic effects on agronomic traits and phytochemical accumulation. Seed priming with 50 ppm and 100 ppm significantly improved germination metrics and early seedling development in the first phase. In the second phase, the combined soil and foliar application of CNPs with NPK in treatments T9 (soil application of CNP at 75 ppm + foliar CNP at 50 ppm + NPK fertilizer) and T10 (soil application of CNP at 75 ppm + foliar CNP at 75 ppm + NPK fertilizer) produced the greatest improvements in agronomic traits, nutrient uptake, and phytochemical accumulation. Soil and foliar (CNP + NPK) application markedly improved cannabis growth and phytochemical quality. My study establishes CNPs as a sustainable nanobiotechnological strategy for green fertilizer development and nano-enabled crop improvement.

Summary for Lay Audience

Farmers frequently use a lot of chemical fertilizers to help plants grow, but too many can harm the environment. That’s why farmers are looking for safer and more natural ways to grow healthy plants. This study looked at a mushroom called chaga, which grows on birch trees. We ground chaga mushrooms into tiny particles called nanoparticles. We then tested these nanoparticles to determine their potential as a natural fertilizer for cannabis plant growth. The goal was to determine whether the nanoparticles from chaga mushrooms could enhance cannabis growth in a way that can make the environment safe. We collected chaga mushrooms from three Canadian provinces: Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador. We tested the chaga mushrooms and found them to contain beneficial nutrients for plant growth. The tiny particles were small enough for plants to take in and could be used as liquid fertilizer. The first part of the study tested how chaga nanoparticles (CNPs) helped seeds grow. The seeds sprouted faster and grew into strong plants with bigger leaves, longer stems, and better root systems. The plants also had improved photosynthesis, which helped them grow more efficiently. In the second part, we combined chaga nanoparticles with regular plant fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). This combination resulted in even better plant growth, higher yields, and increased levels of minerals in the plants. They also had more healthy plant compounds like THC, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes, which impart the plant its smell. This study indicated that chaga mushrooms can serve as an effective natural fertilizer. It improves plant growth, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, and adds value to both chaga and cannabis growth.