The potential of nanomaterials for sustainable modern agriculture: present findings and future perspectives

Abstract

Nanotechnology has received attention in the recent decade due to a plethora of advantages over conventional agriculture techniques, in terms of improved effectiveness, decreased input needs, and lesser environmental toxicity. Nanotechnology has brought great revolution in the field of medicine and pharmacology but has received comparatively less interest in agricultural applications. The rapid advancement of nanoscience has had a great impact on material science that allowed researchers to understand every aspect of molecular complexity and its functions in plant sciences. Plant studies utilizing different nanomaterials (NMs) as protective agents have yielded encouraging results. The use of nanomaterials in agriculture is currently being explored as growth regulators, pesticides, fertilizers, antimicrobial agents, and transfer of target genes. Nanotechnology can also be a potential strategy effectively used for the mitigation of abiotic stress in plant to achieve sustainable agriculture. Under harsh environmental circumstances, NMs protect plants from oxidative stress by mimicking the action of antioxidative enzymes. This review is intended to provide an unambiguous assessment of the present knowledge on the diverse roles of NMs in plant studies where NPs can act as growth regulators, nanopesticides, nanofertilizers, nano antimicrobial agents, and targeted transporters in plants as well as the effectiveness of various NPs in eliminating the potential risk of abiotic stress. Understanding the interactions between plants and NMs offers new options for enhancing agricultural practices by enhancing characteristics such as disease resistance, crop production, and efficient nutrient use.