Integrated Approach of Agri-nanotechnology: Challenges and Future Trends

Abstract

Nanotechnology representing a new frontier in modern agriculture is anticipated to become a major thrust in near future by offering potential applications. This integrating approach, i.e., agri-nanotechnology has great potential to cope with global challenges of food production/security, sustainability and climate change. However, despite the potential benefits of nanotechnology in agriculture so far, their relevance has not reached up to the field conditions. The elevating concerns about fate, transport, bioavailability, nanoparticles toxicity and inappropriateness of regulatory framework limit the complete acceptance and inclination to adopt nanotechnologies in agricultural sector. Moreover, the current research trends lack realistic approach that fail to attain comprehensive knowledge of risk assessment factors and further toxicity of nanoparticles toward agroecosystem components viz. plant, soil, soil microbiomes after their release into the environment. Hence in the present review we attempt to suggest certain key points to be addressed in the current and future agri-nanotechnology researches on the basis of recognized knowledge gaps with strong recommendation of incorporating biosynthesized nanoparticles to carry out analogous functions. In this perspective, the major points are as follows: (i) Mitigating risk assessment factors (responsible for fate, transport, behavior, bioavailability and toxicity) for alleviating the subsequent toxicity of nanoparticles. (ii) Optimizing permissible level of nanoparticles dose within the safety limits by performing dose dependent studies. (iii) Adopting realistic approach by designing the experiments in natural habitat and avoiding in vitro assays for accurate interpretation. (iv) Most importantly, translating environmental friendly and non-toxic biosynthesized nanoparticles from laboratory to field conditions for agricultural benefits.

Climate change exacerbates pest damage through reduced pesticide efficacy

“…In addition, pesticide encapsulation designed to improve pesticide penetration and translocation will consequently increase the overall action of the pesticide. 42 Using nanoparticles can also contribute to reducing functionality loss due to detoxification and altered translocation of the pesticide. In this case, selectivity issues in non-target organisms will also need to be considered.…”

Nanomaterials in plant tissue culture: the disclosed and undisclosed

“…Researchers have elaborately reviewed the toxicity aspects of nanomaterials on plants. [102][103][104][105][106] They suggest that the nanomaterials added to the culture medium can lead to signicant and adverse effects on cell viability, organogenesis, shoot growth, seed germination, seedling development and explant survival. The phytotoxicity of nanomaterials is believed to depend on their chemical composition, dose, size, stability and type, the composition of the culture medium, the application method, and the explant type and plant species.…”

Current Status and Recent Developments in Biopesticide Use

“…Because the polymers used in this kind of formulation are biodegradable, continuous delivery of the active agent with low environmental harm is achieved. Future research must target ways of circumventing the risk factors associated with nanoparticle usage, because currently comprehensive knowledge of risk assessment factors and further toxicity of nanoparticles towards agroecosystem components after their release into the environment is lacking [25]. Overall, nanobiotechnology seems promising in the direction of formulations that can be used to improve the stability and effectiveness of natural products [26,27].…”