Nanopesticides: A Review on Current Research and Future Perspective

Abstract

The survival of humans depends critically on crop production, making crop protection absolutely essential. Numerous studies have suggested that nanopesticides could soon fully replace conventional pesticides since they are far more effective than those now in use. Due to an increase in their surface‐to‐volume ratio, nanomaterials exhibit different properties from their bulk counterparts. Nanopesticides are pesticides that have been made with these nanoparticles and have a high application efficiency and significantly fewer hazardous environmental impacts than pesticides that have been made chemically. Various formulation strategies, which include the containment of the active substance by the nanoparticles, have previously been established, exhibiting promising effects on the pests. Target specificity, high stability, and controlled active ingredients (AIs) release are a few of the noteworthy qualities these nanopesticides offer. The development of green nanopesticides derived from nature, which have very low ecotoxicities and nanoscale qualities, can also have a significant positive impact on crop output. However, before being mass‐produced and used, the discovery still has to be thoroughly examined to determine its effects on people and the environment due to the lack of conclusive proof demonstrating its toxicity. This paper aims to represent the use of nanopesticides in crop protection and a detailed overview of the various methods for the formulation of nanopesticides. Also, the possible negative impacts on the non‐target species by the application of nanopesticides have been briefly discussed. The need for the development of green nanopesticides to avoid the negative aspects of nanopesticides has also been highlighted.

Designing a More Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Food Supply: A Roadmap for Future Food and Agricultural Research

“…Ideally, nanopesticides should be formulated from natural biodegradable substances that do not cause environmental damage, such as proteins, polysaccharides, phospholipids, lipids, or phytochemicals. 107 As an example, essential oil nanoemulsions have been shown to be effective at repelling an important crop pest: red flour beetle. 108 Numerous other studies have also shown that essential oil nanoemulsions are effective pesticides against various agricultural pests.…”