Use of Gold Nanoparticles as a Nano-Weapon in Plant Disease Management

One of the world's most pressing issues at the moment is the diagnosis and treatment of plant diseases, which have a heavy financial cost for plant-based product sectors and farmers. The detrimental impact on plants in agriculture can primarily be attributed to the presence of plant pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, and pollution stemming from nanomaterials, alongside other significant contributors to pollution. Currently, a diverse array of methodologies are employed for the detection of pathogens in plants. These encompass DNA-based techniques, alongside other identification and detection methods utilizing microscopy. Nevertheless, it is imperative to acknowledge that the implementation of these methodologies necessitates the utilization of intricate instruments and a considerable amount of time. In recent times, considerable efforts have been dedicated to the development and application of novel biosensing systems that rely on nanomaterials. These systems hold great promise for the early detection of diseases, offering enhanced specificity and sensitivity. The goal of this chapter is to explain the different biosensing methods used to find diseases, with a focus on those that use nanomaterials as the main sensing element. The implementation of a precise and time-efficient methodology for the identification of plant pathogens holds significant potential for mitigating losses incurred in the domains of agriculture and forestry. The present review endeavours to shed light on a diverse array of afflictions that plague plants, commonly referred to as plant diseases. The main goal is to explain what needs to be in place for a reliable, quick, and cost-effective way to test for these diseases. The other goal of this discussion is to look into new biosensing technologies that might help find diseases in field plants that are growing in forests early on before they do too much damage.