Integration of Nanobubble Technology With Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Enhances Both Host and Herbivore Traits in Cotton-Tarnished Plant Bug System

Authors: George, Justin; DEBNATH, RAHUL - University Of Arkansas; Reddy, Gadi; KARIYAT, RUPESH - University Of Arkansas

Submitted to: Journal of Sustainable Agriculture and Environment (JSAE)
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/18/2026
Publication Date: 3/25/2026
Citation: George, J., R. Debnath, G. V. P. Reddy, and R. Kariyat. 2026. “Integration of nanobubble technology with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhances both host and herbivore traits in cotton-tarnished plant bug system.” J Sustain Agric Environ 5: e70145. https://doi.org/10.1002/sae2.70145.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/sae2.70145

Interpretive Summary: Optimal levels of dissolved oxygen in the rhizosphere are essential for beneficial soil microorganisms to support plant growth. Nanobubble (NB) technology generates water enriched with ultrafine bubbles, which effectively elevate dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in both irrigation water and the plant rhizosphere. Although nanobubbles have shown potential across various agricultural and water management applications, empirical testing within agroecosystems remains limited. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) represent a well-documented group of beneficial microbial symbionts known to enhance plant growth and development, primarily through improved root architecture and increased nutrient uptake. Low DO conditions can inhibit microbial conversion of ammonia and nitrates, resulting in toxin accumulation in irrigation water that damages plant roots. Integrating NB technology with AMF may therefore offer synergistic benefits for improving plant traits. To evaluate this potential, we investigated the effects of nanobubble treated water and AMF—applied at varying concentrations and combinations—on cotton plants, along with their interactions with insect herbivores. Our findings indicate that NB and AMF positively influence overall plant health. However, we also observed that insect herbivores exhibited higher survival rates when feeding on treated plants compared to controls, suggesting potential trade-offs. Nevertheless, the enhanced nutritional profiles seen in plants treated with NB and AMF suggest that this combined approach may promote accelerated growth and offer promise for sustainable agricultural practices. This work supports USDA mission areas and aligns with the Secretary of Agriculture’s priorities by improving farm profitability, protecting crops from invasive pests, and advancing sustainable pest-management practices, ultimately helping farmers make informed decisions that contribute to more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.

Technical Abstract: Nanobubble (NB) technology generates water that contains tiny gas-filled spheres, which are highly efficient at elevating dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in irrigated water. Although, there is an increasing interest in the diverse applications of nanobubbles in the fields of environmental science and agriculture, few studies have empirically tested these in agroecosystems. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is a beneficial microbial symbiont group that is well documented for improving plant growth and development, mainly through root growth and increased nutrient absorption. Since low dissolved oxygen prevents microorganisms from converting ammonia and nitrates, leading to toxin buildup in irrigation water that damages plant roots, integrating NB with AMF can potentially benefit plant traits. To test this, we investigated the effects of the application of nanobubble water and AMF at different concentrations and combinations on cotton plants and their interaction with insect herbivores. Our results show that nanobubbles and AMF have a positive impact on overall plant health. However, we also found that the survival rate of insect herbivores was higher when reared on treated plants than control, suggesting trade-offs. The enhanced nutritional properties observed in plants treated with AMF and nanobubbles suggest this combination can accelerate growth and can potentially incorporated into sustainable agriculture strategies. Additional experiments that test whether these effects cascade into host-herbivore interactions needs to be carried out.