Nanotechnology as a Promising Tool against Phytopathogens: A Futuristic Approach to Agriculture

Abstract

It is crucial to increase agricultural yields to fulfill the rising demand for food and the security it provides for a growing population. To protect human food supplies and agricultural outputs, disease management is essential. Plant infections are a silent enemy of economic crop production and cross-border commerce of agricultural goods, inflicting roughly 20–30% losses a year. If infections are accurately and rapidly detected and identified, this can be minimized, and specialized treatment can be given. The current methods of preventing plant diseases are utterly dependent on agrochemicals, which have adverse effects on the ecosystem. By improving their solubility, lengthening their shelf life, and lowering their toxicity, nanotechnology can help reduce the harmful effects of pesticides and fungicides in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way. Engineered nanoparticles can be used to control plant diseases either by using the nanoparticle itself or as a carrier for fungicides and antibiotics. Regardless of the many prospective benefits of using nanoparticles, few nanoparticle-based products have been made commercially available for use in more widespread applications. For rapid and accurate spotting of plant diseases, the combination of nanotechnology systems with molecular diagnostics acts as an alternative where the detection may be taken in on a portable miniaturized appliance. By minimizing the application of chemicals and adopting quick identification of infections, nanotechnology might sustainably minimize many issues in disease control. This review outlines the tools and techniques used in the diagnosis of plant diseases and their management and explains how nanotechnology works, along with the current tools and their prospects for the future of plant protection.

Detection of Phytopathogens in Agricultural Crops Using Nanodiagnostic Techniques

“…The scientific discipline of nano-phytopathology uses nanotechnology in the early phases of disease detection, diagnosis, and management in plants. Nano-phytopathology provides data that can be utilized to identify and track the traits associated with plant illnesses, identify dangerous toxins, evaluate the sustainability of the environment, and spot relationships between pathogenic microbes and their hosts [21,24]. A more affordable method of protecting plants involves recognizing, detecting, and controlling plant diseases when they are still in their initial phases.…”

“…Under optimal conditions, the test is particularly interesting since it can swiftly detect nucleotides at higher zeptomolar levels and protein complexes at lower up to mole amounts. Similar methods can be established for the fast and on-site detection of agricultural illnesses like viruses, in order to reduce losses in crops [24].…”

Aflatoxins in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea): Prevalence, Global Health Concern, and Management from an Innovative Nanotechnology Approach: A Mechanistic Repertoire and Future Direction

“…Nanoparticles act as nanocarriers and have copious benefits such as (i) improved fungicide solubility, (ii) controlled release of fungicides, (iii) targeted delivery and targeted pathogen specific site, (iv) less toxicity, and (v) environmental friendliness. 125 Another positive aspect of the formulation of nanofungicides is that it increases the long-term stability and efficacy of pesticides in various ecological conditions, thereby lowering the number of applications and quantity of fungicides, which in turn lessens their adverse effects and lowers their costs. 126 Here we discuss some of the practical applications of antifungal potential of nanoparticles on various agriculture crops.…”

Co3O4 Nanostructured Sensor for Electrochemical Detection of H2O2 as a Stress Biomarker in Barley: Fe3O4 Nanoparticles-Mediated Enhancement of Salt Stress Tolerance

“…Nanoparticles, with their unique properties at the nanoscale, have emerged as a promising avenue for addressing these challenges in agriculture [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Scientists are exploring the application of nanoparticles to improve nutrient delivery [ 8 ], enhance pest [ 9 , 10 ] and disease management [ 11 , 12 ], optimize water use efficiency [ 13 ], and bolster crop resilience to environmental stresses [ 14 , 15 ].…”