Effect of Nano-Particles on Plant Growth and Their Applications in Agriculture: A Review

Nanotechnology opens a large scope of novel application in the fields of biotechnology and agricultural industries, because nanoparticles (NPs) have unique physicochemical properties, i.e., high surface area, high reactivity, tunable pore size, and particle morphology. Nanoparticles can serve as “magic bullets”, containing herbicides, nano-pesticide fertilizers, or genes, which target specific cellular organelles in plant to release their content. Numerous studies suggest that nanotechnology will have major, long-term effects on agriculture and food production. Nanoparticles have enhanced reactivity due to enhanced solubility, greater proportion of surface atoms relative to the interior of a structure, unique magnetic/optical properties, electronic states, and catalytic reactivity that differ from equivalent bulk materials. The positive morphological effects of nanomaterials include enhanced germination percentage and rate; length of root and shoot, and their ratio; and vegetative biomass of seedlings along with enhancement of physiological parameters like enhanced photosynthetic activity and nitrogen metabolism in many crop plants. Additionally, this technology holds the promise of controlled release of agrochemicals and site targeted delivery of various macromolecules needed for improved plant disease resistance, efficient nutrient utilization and enhanced plant growth. Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about potential adverse effects of nanoparticles on biological systems and the environment such as toxicity generated by free radicals leading to lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. Generally, abiotic stresses have adverse impacts on plant growth and development which affects agricultural productivity, causing food security problems, and resulting in economic losses. To reduce the negative effects of environmental stress on crop plants, novel technologies, such as nanotechnology, have emerged. Implementing nanotechnology in modern agriculture can also help improve the efficiency of water usage, prevent plant diseases, ensure food security, reduce environmental pollution, and enhance sustainability.