Nano-Biotechnology in Agriculture: Use of Nanomaterials to Promote Plant Growth and Stress Tolerance

Abstract

Sustainable agriculture is a key component of the effort to meet the increased food demand of a rapidly increasing global population. Nano-biotechnology is a promising tool for sustainable agriculture. However, rather than acting as nanocarriers, some nanoparticles (NPs) with unique physiochemical properties inherently enhance plant growth and stress tolerance. This biological role of nanoparticles depends on their physiochemical properties, application method (foliar delivery, hydroponics, soil), and the applied concentration. Here we review the effects of the different types, properties, and concentrations of nanoparticles on plant growth and on various abiotic (salinity, drought, heat, high light, and heavy metals) and biotic (pathogens and herbivores) stresses. The ability of nanoparticles to stimulate plant growth by positive effects on seed germination, root or shoot growth, and biomass or grain yield is also considered. The information presented herein will allow researchers within and outside the nano-biotechnology field to better select the appropriate nanoparticles as starting materials in agricultural applications. Ultimately, a shift from testing/utilizing existing nanoparticles to designing specific nanoparticles based on agriculture needs will facilitate the use of nanotechnology in sustainable agriculture.

Nanoparticle-Based Sustainable Agriculture and Food Science: Recent Advances and Future Outlook

“…Moreover, engineered nano pesticides are assisting the conventional cotton and insect-resistant transgenic (Bt cotton) crop, which was designed to combat the bollworm. Insecticidal activity of Cu NPs at a low dose (10 mg/L) has the potential to upregulate the expression of exogenous microbial protein from Bacillus thuringiensis coded through the Bt toxin in plant tissue to improve resistance against the bollworm (Zhao et al, 2020; Table 2). During spot disease in tomato plants, TiO 2 and ZnO NPs, photochemically active, act as antimicrobial agents.…”

Nanobiotechnology for Agriculture: Smart Technology for Combating Nutrient Deficiencies with Nanotoxicity Challenges

“…Micronutrients and macronutrients assume critical roles in the protection of plants against disease. Using NPs, the nutritional status of plants can be enhanced to improve yields, tolerate stress, and withstand attack from pathogens [9]. This raises a need for nanotechnological interventions that are highly targeted, site-specific, and release the carrier material (nutrient) in a controlled manner to effectively address nutrient deficiency in agricultural soils.…”

Plant growth regulation by seed coating with films of alginate and auxin-intercalated layered double hydroxides

“…With regard to this, nanotechnology enables the development of new sustainable products to increase crop yields. Some studies have demonstrated the use of nanomaterials as host matrices for storage and slow release of active products as fertilizers and agrochemicals [1][2][3][4][5][6].…”