What is the role of nanotechnology in agriculture?

 Rapid climate changes, a loss in soil fertility, macro and micronutrient insufficiency, abuse of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and heavy metal presence in the soil are all difficulties facing the agricultural industry. However, as the world's population grows, so does the need for food. By raising crop output and repairing and improving soil quality, nanotechnology has made a significant contribution to sustainable agriculture.

Polyethylene glycol, poly(epsilon-caprolactone), poly(lactide-co-glycolides), and poly (-glutamic acid) are some of the polymeric nanomaterials utilised in agriculture. Antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles are widely employed against a variety of phytopathogens. Silver nanoparticles have also been shown to improve plant development, according to researchers. Alumino-silicate nanoparticles As a pesticide, many chemical firms utilise nano alumino-silicate formulations.

Antimicrobial nanomaterials aid in the prevention of microbial infestations. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, and Dematophora necatrix are some of the most frequent pathogenic fungi that cause disease.

Several nanoparticles, such as nickel ferrite nanoparticles and copper nanoparticles, have potent antifungal properties and are utilised to treat diseases. Chitosan nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles, and silica nanoparticles are beneficial in the treatment of viral infections such as mosaic virus in tobacco, potato, and alfalfa.

The use of nanoherbicides and nanopesticides to control weeds and pests has resulted in a considerable boost in agricultural yield. Nanoherbicide formulations use a variety of nanoparticles, including polymeric nanoparticles and inorganic nanoparticles.

Herbicides may be delivered in a variety of ways, according to scientists. Poly (epsiloncaprolactone) nanoparticles, for example, contain the pesticide atrazine. This nanocapsule demonstrated good control of the targeted species, decreased genotoxicity, and reduced atrazine mobility in the soil considerably.