Comparative Studies of Different Nanoparticles Being Used in Agriculture
摘要
As the world today is moving toward a sustainable agro-landscape, there is an urgent need to find agricultural tools that not only assist with the needs of today but also ensure safe resource management for future generations. Nanotechnology is a target-specific, self-regulated, multifunctional tool that has a wide range of applications in various agricultural sectors. Due to the recent remarkable growth in the study of nano-based particles, the use of nanotechnology in agriculture has proved itself to be a more reliable, safer, and sustainable alternative to conventional tools. Nanoparticles interact with cellular uptake systems, facilitating their entry into plant cells. Once internalized, these nanomaterials are translocated via the vascular system, ensuring their systemic distribution. By modifying ion channels, transporters, and gene expression specific to roots, nanoparticles affect nutrient intake at the molecular level. Implementation of nanotechnological tools such as nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, nano-based growth promoters and nano-biosensors has reduced average input costs, while at the same time limiting the wastage of resources. Nanofertilizers and nanopesticides have an added advantage over their conventional counterparts, as they are credited with the maintenance of proper soil microbiota, thus promoting plant growth and development. Nanocapsules and nanocomposites ensure quick and precise delivery of nutrients to ensure efficient resource management. Additionally, in the area of plant protection, nano-biosensors, a refined tool, have aided in plant growth monitoring along with the detection of biotic (pathogenic) and abiotic stresses. Hence, in this chapter, we discuss the synthesis, mechanism of uptake and penetration, and internalization of different nanoparticles being used as agricultural tools.