Nanotechnology in sustainable agriculture: A double‐edged sword

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a rapidly developing discipline that has the potential to transform the way we approach problems in a variety of fields, including agriculture. The utilization of nanotechnology in sustainable agriculture has gained popularity in recent years. Nanotechnology has various applications in agriculture, such as development of nanoscale materials and devices to boost agricultural productivity, enhance food quality and safety, improve the efficiency of water and nutrient usage, and decrease environmental pollution. Nanotechnology has proven to be highly beneficial in the field of agriculture, particularly in the development of nanoscale delivery systems for agrochemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, and growth regulators. These nanoscale delivery technologies offer various benefits over conventional delivery systems, including better penetration and distribution, enhanced efficacy, and lower environmental impact. Encapsulating agrochemicals in nanoscale particles enables direct delivery to the targeted site in the plant, thereby reducing waste and minimizing off‐target effects. Plants are fundamental building blocks of all ecosystems and evaluating the interaction between nanoparticles (NPs) and plants is a crucial aspect of risk assessment. Therefore, this critical review aims to provide an overview of the latest advancements regarding the positive and negative effects of nanotechnology in agriculture. Additionally, we have also explored potential future research directions focused on ensuring the safe utilization of NPs in this field, which will lead us to sustainable development.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Sustainable Synthesis of Novel Green-Based Nanoparticles for Therapeutic Interventions and Environmental Remediation

“…92 Due to increasing demand for agrobased food products, there has been an indiscriminate spike in the use of nanotechnology in order to enhance soil quality and crop growth as well as to develop targeted pesticide delivery systems. 93 In one of the findings, phytochemical-based bioengineered iron oxide NPs acting as a nanopriming agent have been synthesized to enhance germination in rice seeds. 94 The formulation of nano fertilizers, for example, NanoGroTM and NanoFert, shows improved efficacy of conventional fertilizers by allowing efficient uptake of fertilizer and better penetrating ability in soil.…”

“…It was the first nanoiron approved by the European Commission (2022/1373, August 5, 2022) showing itself to be a promising and accessible option for vulnerable low-income populations . Due to increasing demand for agro-based food products, there has been an indiscriminate spike in the use of nanotechnology in order to enhance soil quality and crop growth as well as to develop targeted pesticide delivery systems . In one of the findings, phytochemical-based bioengineered iron oxide NPs acting as a nanopriming agent have been synthesized to enhance germination in rice seeds .…”