Agro-Nanotechnology: A Way Towards Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Addressing the global population's dietary needs is crucial amid crop damage issues like insect infestations and adverse weather affecting one-third of conventionally farmed crops. Nanotechnology, recognized for its efficacy and environmental benefits, has gained attention in the past decade. While it has transformed medicine, its applications in agriculture are underexplored. Current research investigates the use of nanomaterials in agriculture for targeted delivery of genes, insecticides, fertilizers, and growth regulators. Nanotechnology shows promise in mitigating abiotic stress in plants by mimicking antioxidative enzymes. This chapter assesses nanoparticles' roles in plant research, highlighting their effectiveness as growth regulators, nanopesticides, nanofertilizers, antimicrobial agents, and targeted transporters. Understanding plant-nanomaterial interactions opens new avenues for enhancing agricultural practices, improving disease resistance, and crop productivity, and optimizing fertilizer use.