In the present work, Zn, Cu monometallic and bimetallic nanoparticles were synthesized using leaves extract of Borassus flabellifer. Plant extract acts as both surfactant and reducing agent. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterised by UV-Vis, XRD, FESEM, EDX, and HRTEM techniques. UV-Vis spectroscopy is used to monitor the synthesis of nanoparticles. XRD technique was used to confirm the amorphous nature of nanoparticles. The FESEM images demonstrate that the shape of the nanoparticles such as Zn monometallic (pseudo-spherical), Cu monometallic (rod), Zn-Cu bimetallic are (pseudo-spherical and rod-shaped). HRTEM images show the approximate size of the Zn, Cu monometallic and Zn-Cu bimetallic nanoparticles is 3.0 nm, 3.52 nm and 2.2 nm respectively. EDX spectra confirm the presence of Zn, Cu and O in the sample. Synthesized Zn, Cu monometallic nanoparticles, and Zn-Cu bimetallic nanoparticles were used to evaluate their possible antimicrobial, antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. Bimetallic nanoparticles displayed higher antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties in the comparison of monometallic nanoparticles. The results suggest that Zn-Cu bimetallic nanoparticles have greater potential than monometallic nanoparticles.

Field experiments were carried out for two consecutive seasons at the Experimental Shandaweel Agricultural Research Station, Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt, during the growing seasons of 2013 and 2014, to study the effect of irrigation intervals and foliar spray of zinc and silicon treatments on chemical composition of maize. Results indicated that scheduling at every 10 days produced the N% , Crude protein%, Cu%, P%, K%, Zn%, Si%, Mn% and Fe% and foliar spray of zinc and silicon treatments produced the highest chemical composition of maize crop. The best N%, Crude protein%, Cu% and Mn were obtained from zinc + silicon treatments followed by zinc, silicon treatments. In contrast, untreated treatments produced the lowest values. It can be concluded that the scheduling at every 10 days and application of foliar spray of zinc + silicon treatments as the effective one could be recommended for scheduling irrigation at every 10 days with application of foliar spray of zinc, silicon or zinc +silicon treatments of maize crop at Shandaweel Agricultural Research Station, Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt to obtain the best results from chemical composition of maize.

Field experiments were carried out for two consecutive seasons at the Experimental Shandaweel Agricultural Research Station, Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt, during the growing seasons of 2013 and 2014, to study the Effect of Irrigation intervals and foliar spray of zinc and silicon treatments on Maize growth and yield components of maize. Results indicated that, scheduling at every 10 days produced the highest plant height, Flag Leaf area (cm²), Cob length (cm), Weight of 100-grains (g), Biological yield (T/fad.) and Grain yield (ard./fed.) followed by irrigation at 15 and 20 days interval, in contrast irrigation at 25 days interval produced the lowest values and foliar spray of zinc and silicon treatments produced the highest plant height-improved yield and yield components of maize crop. The best yield was obtained from zinc + silicon treatments followed by zinc, silicon treatments. In contrast, untreated treatments produced the lowest values. It can be concluded that the scheduling at every 10 days and application of foliar spray of zinc + silicon treatments as the effective one could be recommended for scheduling irrigation at every 10 days with application of foliar spray of zinc + silicon treatments of maize crop at Shandaweel Agricultural Research Station, Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt to obtained the best results from maize grain yield.