Nanophytovirology: An Emerging Field for Disease Management

Abstract

Nanotechnology positions as a new armament in our collection against the increasing challenges in disease management and plant/human health. The application of nanotechnology in plant/human disease administration, diagnosis, and genetic transformations is still in its early stages. Apart from the scope of this chapter, there is also a mounting collection of new tools and techniques where nanoparticles are employed as delivery vehicles for genetic material in plants. Due to their nanoscale dimensions, nanoparticles may knockout virus particles and thus may open a novel arena of virus control in plants/humans. Our aim is to enlighten and enthuse researchers about the swiftly expanding prospects of nanotechnology in plant pathology i.e., "nanophytovirology."

Detection of Phytopathogens in Agricultural Crops Using Nanodiagnostic Techniques

“…Plant disease detection and identification can be done directly or indirectly. The examination of plant pathogens, such as bacteria, oomycetes, fungi, and viruses, as well as bio molecular markers, such as nucleic acids, proteins, and carbohydrates, isolated from diseased plant tissues, is the norm for direct techniques [30]. Through changes in physiological or histological markers including variations in leaf surface Detection of Phytopathogens in Agricultural Crops Using Nanodiagnostic Techniques DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.1004798 temperature or humidity, spectroscopic properties of plant tissues, shape, growth rate, and emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), indirect diagnostics can identify plant illnesses [31].…”

Advances in Nanotechnology as a Potential Alternative for Plant Viral Disease Management

“…Nanophytovirology refers to the use of nanotechnology for the detection, diagnosis, and management of viruses and their vectors especially arthropods at an initial level to protect plants against economically important viral diseases (Marwal and Gaur, 2019 ). The plant diseases caused by viruses are difficult to manage as rapid spread of the disease is caused by vectors, mainly arthropods.…”

“…To tackle the viral diseases, understanding the interactions among plants, viruses, and their vector is very crucial. Nanotechnological-based diagnostics and management practices are gaining momentum nowadays to curb the threat caused by plant viral diseases due to their ease in handling and cost-effectiveness (Marwal and Gaur, 2019 ). Nano-based materials offer advantages like reduced toxicity, enhanced shelf life, and increased solubility of poorly soluble pesticides, all of which provide positive environmental effects (Worrall et al, 2018 ).…”

“…They may clog the stomatal pores and might hinder the penetration of pollen grains on stigma. Cellular toxicity induced by NPs can lead to toxic side effects such as enhanced ROS generation, disruption of redox homeostasis, lipid peroxidation, impaired mitochondrial function, and membrane damage (Marwal and Gaur, 2019 ). The interaction of nanoformulations with other pollutants present in the environment is an important area that requires research.…”

“…However, the field management of viral diseases is very complex, as most of the economically important plant viruses are transmitted through insect vectors. Therefore, to manage a viral disease successfully, it is essential to stop the transmission of viruses by the insect vectors (Khurana and Marwal, 2016 ; Marwal and Gaur, 2019 ). The use of chemical pesticides in bulk has caused tremendous harm to the environment.…”