Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Application in Agriculture

Clusters of silver atoms that range in size from one to one hundred nanometers are known as silver nanoparticles. Due to their distinct characteristics, they are used extensively in several domains, such as healthcare and farming. Silver nanoparticles have increased the metal’s antibacterial activity against various bacteria, fungi, and viruses, impacting biological functions like respiration, metabolism, and reproduction. Silver has long been known for its antimicrobial qualities. In addition to biological synthesis by bacteria, yeast, fungi, and plants, physical–chemical processes can also be used to create silver nanoparticles. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in using plants as readily available, sustainable sources for the synthesis of biogenic nanoparticles. Various plant extracts possess reducing, stabilizing, and antibacterial properties that facilitate the conversion of silver ions into silver nanoparticles. Nanotechnology has wide-ranging applications in agriculture, and the food industry, including seed germination enhancement, growth stimulation, improvement of seed quality parameters, tolerance to various stresses, enhancement of packaging materials’ quality and efficiency, extension of product shelf life, rapid detection and control of plant pathogens using nanosensors, removal of pesticide residues, thoughtful delivery of fertilizers and nutrients into plants, and successful outcomes have been achieved. The application of nanoparticles in commerce is expanding quickly. On the other hand, several plants exposed to silver nanoparticles have been found to exhibit oxidative damage and chromosomal abnormalities. As a result, actions must be taken to ensure that nanoparticle consumption patterns and standards are optimal and that their effects on the environment and human health are minimized. It is envisaged that these methods would lead to creative breakthroughs in agriculture and enhance crop development in the future.