Application of Nanomaterials in Plant Disease Diagnosis and Management

Abstract

Nanomaterials have substantial application in plant disease diagnosis and management. The nanoparticles and nanosensors have wide application in the detection of microbial infections and diagnosis of plant diseases. Enzyme-based biosensors coated with Au, Ag, Cu, or Ti-NPs may greatly enhance the sensitivity of diagnostic probes for plant infection detection. The nanomaterials may be used in plant disease management through two ways, i.e., direct application of the nanoparticles of a suitable antimicrobial chemical or by encapsulating an antimicrobial chemical by a nanomaterial. Direct application of nanoparticles has been found to suppress a number of plant pathogenic fungi and some bacteria. Nanomaterials, nanotubes, and nanocapsules can efficiently carry higher concentration of active ingredients of pesticides, etc. and may also regulate the release of the chemical. We present here a critical review on the use of nanomaterials in plant disease diagnosis and management and have discussed in detail various relevant aspects, including the commercial use of this technology.