Nanomaterials in Plant Protection and Fertilization: Current State, Foreseen Applications, and Research Priorities

Abstract

Scientific publications and patents on nanomaterials (NM) used in plant protection or fertilizer products have exponentially increased since the millennium shift. While the United States and Germany have published the highest number of patents, Asian countries released most scientific articles. About 40% of all contributions deal with carbon-based NM, followed by titanium dioxide, silver, silica, and alumina. Nanomaterials come in many diverse forms (surprisingly often ≫100 nm), from solid doped particles to (often nonpersistent) polymer and oil-water based structures. Nanomaterials serve equally as additives (mostly for controlled release) and active constituents. Product efficiencies possibly increased by NM should be balanced against enhanced environmental NM input fluxes. The dynamic development in research and its considerable public perception are in contrast with the currently still very small number of NM-containing products on the market. Nanorisk assessment and legislation are largely in their infancies.

Comparative Metabolic Response between Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and Corn (Zea mays) to a Cu(OH)2 Nanopesticide

“…To elucidate the impact of Cu(OH) 2 nanopesticide on the metabolite profile of maize leaves, PLS-DA was performed on the maize data set. The score plot (Figure 1) indicates that the 10 and 100 mg Cu(OH) 2 nanopesticide groups are clearly separated from the control group, which indicates that the metabolite profiles were markedly altered after exposure to the Cu(OH) 2 nanopesticide, especially at a 100 mg dose. In response to foliar exposure to Cu(OH) 2 pesticide, many metabolites were significantly (VIP ≥ 1) upregulated ( Figure S4), such as amino acids (valine, lysine, leucine, methionine, proline, alanine, and serine), organic acids (4-hydroxycinnamic, saccharic, isocitric, mannonic, isohexonic, maleic, aconitic, galactonic, ferulic, and glycolic acids), phosphate-related compounds (pyrophosphate, glycerol-α-phosphate, and fructose-6-phosphate), and other metabolites (1-monostearn, adenosine, and 3-phosphoglycerate).…”

“…1,2 Copper ions (as Cu 2+ and Cu + ) have a long history of use as fungicides by affecting the activity of several enzymes, thereby preventing germination of fungal spores. 2 There is increased interest in copper-based nanopesticides in the market, particularly in organic farming.…”

“…The metabolite information was then used to elucidate the underlying signals, defense and damage responses. Combining the results of metabolomics and phenotypes, biochemical networks were created to provide a mechanistic insight into the metabolic pathways of the response of these two species to Cu(OH) 2 nanopesticide. This study focused on the potential effect on metabolic profiles of these two crop plants; additional studies are needed to estimate the potential risks to humans or ecological receptors from exposure during application of the nanopesticide, which for humans can be mitigated using proper personal protective equipment, or via ingestion of foods with nanopesticide residues.…”

Synthesis and characterization of silica nanostructures for cotton leaf worm control

“…The sustainable potentials of nanotechnology are oriented to save of raw materials, energy and water as well as reduce greenhouse gases and hazardous wastes to improve the future. As a result, the application of nanomaterials in the area of plant sciences (i.e., nutrients and/or pest control) has been extensively investigated to overcome the expected increases of global population without negative impacts to environment and/or public health [1][2][3]. For example, Ag, CuO, MgO, and ZnO nanoparticles were presented as effective antimicrobial agents [4][5][6][7][8].…”

Polysaccharides as safer release systems for agrochemicals

“…2). They minimize the impact of these harmful chemicals on the environment by reducing losses due to leaching, volatilization, and degradation and thereby maintaining biological efficacy of active ingredient (Nair et al 2010;Gogos et al 2012;Campos et al 2014).…”