Nanotechnology in Agriculture: Which Innovation Potential Does It Have?

Elemental silicon (Si), after oxygen, is the second most abundant element in the earth’s crust, which is mainly composed of silicates. Si is not considered essential for plant growth and development, however, increasing evidence in the literature shows that this metalloid is beneficial to plants, especially under stress conditions. Indeed Si alleviates the toxic effects caused by abiotic stresses, e.g., salt stress, drought, heavy metals, to name a few. Biogenic silica is also a deterrent against herbivores. Additionally, Si ameliorates the vigor of plants and improves their resistance to exogenous stresses. The protective role of Si was initially attributed to a physical barrier fortifying the cell wall (e.g., against fungal hyphae penetration), however, several studies have shown that the action of this element on plants is far more complex, as it involves a cross-talk with the cell interior and an effect on plant metabolism. In this study the beneficial role of Si on plants will be discussed, by reviewing the available data in the literature. Emphasis will be given to the protective role of Si during (a)biotic stresses and in this context both priming and the effects of Si on endogenous phytohormones will be discussed. A whole section will be devoted to the use of silica (SiO2) nanoparticles, in the light of the interest that nanotechnology has for agriculture. The paper also discusses the potential technological aspects linked to the use of Si in agriculture and to modify/improve the physical parameters of plant fibers. The study indeed provides perspectives on the use of Si to increase the yield of fiber crops and to improve the thermal stability and tensile strength of natural fibers.

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“…Nanomaterials can for example be engineered to immobilize nutrients or to release them in a controlled manner in the soil (Fraceto et al, 2016). …”

Section: Silica Nanoparticlesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Silicon and Plants: Current Knowledge and Technological Perspectives

et al. 2017

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“…Agriculture can benefit through the development of more efficient and less contaminant agrochemicals (nanoformulations), devices that help to detect biotic or abiotic stresses before they can affect production (nanosensors), or new techniques for genetic manipulation allowing higher efficiency during plant breeding programs (Pérez-de-Luque and Hermosín, 2013;Fraceto et al, 2016). Because the topic is really broad, in this article we will focus on applications for the synthesis of a new generation of agrochemicals, either for plant protection or fertilization, using nanocarriers for controlled release and smart delivery systems.…”

Section: It's Plenty Of Room Out Therementioning

confidence: 99%

Interaction of Nanomaterials with Plants: What Do We Need for Real Applications in Agriculture?

Pérez‐de‐Luque

2017

Front. Environ. Sci.

434

186

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The number of published researching works related with applications of nanomaterials in agriculture is increasing every year. Most of such works focus on the synthesis of nanodevices, their characteristics as nanocarriers for controlled release of active substances, and their interaction (either positive or negative) with plants or microorganisms under controlled conditions. Important knowledge has been gained about the uptake and distribution of nanomaterials in plants, although there are still gaps regarding internalization inside plant cells. Nanoparticle traits and plant species greatly affect the interaction, and nanodevices can enter and move through different pathways (apoplast vs. symplast), what influences their effectiveness and their final fate. Depending on the effect we are expecting for a nanocarrier, the application method might be critical. However, in order to get that research used in the field, some problems must be addressed. First, the cost for escalating the production of nanodevices must be affordable with the current production cost of agricultural goods. Second, we need to be sure that a technology is safe before spreading it into the environment. Third, consumers will distrust a technology unfamiliar for them in the same way that happened with transgenic crops. We need to broaden our horizons and start looking for real practical approaches, filling the main gaps that hamper our jump from laboratory research into field applications.

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“…Nanoagroparticles can sustainably intensify the new paradigm in agriculture production and mitigate existing implications (Fraceto et al, 2016). Different classes of nanoparticles are used in agricultural system and type of nanoparticles depends on the mode of action or properties expecting to occur.…”

Section: Widely Used Nanoparticles In the Agricultural Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…One of such progress has initiated with implementation of nanomaterials based products toward reforming the modern agriculture (Sekhon, 2014). Lately, much efforts have been devoted to involve nanoparticles in the agricultural sector which is expected to transform the modern agricultural practices (Fraceto et al, 2016). In current scenario, agriculture community is facing wide range of challenges viz., stagnation of yield, destruction of crops due to pest attack, loss of soil fertility, inadequate water, fluctuating climatic conditions and contamination of soil due to environmental pollutants which has led to severe loss (Pouratashi and Iravani, 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nanoagroparticles emerging trends and future prospect in modern agriculture system

Baker

Volova

Prudnikova

et al. 2017

Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology

171

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Increment of technical knowledge has remarkably uplifted logical thinking among scientific communities to shape the theoretical concepts into near product-oriented research. The concept of nanotechnology has overwhelmed almost all forms of lives and has traded its applications in myriad fields. Despite rapid expansion of nanotechnology, sustainable competitions still do exist in the field of agriculture. In current scenario, agriculture is a manifestation demand to provide adequate nutrition for relentless growing global population. It is estimated that nearly one-third of the global crop production is destroyed annually. The loss owes to various stresses such as pest infestation, microbial pathogens, weeds, natural calamities, lack of soil fertility and much more. In order to overcome these limitations, various technological strategies are implemented but a majority of these have their own repercussions. Hence there is a scrawling progress on the evaluation of nanoparticles into agriculture sector which can reform the modern agricultural system. Applications of these nanomaterials can add tremendous value in the current scenario of a global food scarcity. Nanotechnology can address the adverse effects posed by the abundant use of chemical agrochemicals which are reported to cause biomagnification in an ecosystem. Based on these facts and consideration, present review envisages on nanoparticles as nanoherbicides, nanopesticides, onsite detection agro-pathogens and nanoparticles in post harvest management. The review also elucidates on the importance of nanoparticles in soil fertility, irrigation management and its influence on improving crop yield. With scanty reports available on nanotechnology in agriculture system, present review attributes toward developing nanoagroparticles as the future prospect which can give new facelift for existing agriculture system.

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Nanotechnology in Agriculture: Which Innovation Potential Does It Have?

Cited by 442 publications

References 32 publications

Silicon and Plants: Current Knowledge and Technological Perspectives

Silicon and Plants: Current Knowledge and Technological Perspectives

Interaction of Nanomaterials with Plants: What Do We Need for Real Applications in Agriculture?

Nanoagroparticles emerging trends and future prospect in modern agriculture system

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