Application of Nanotechnology in Plant Protection by Phytopathogens: Present and Future Prospects

Abstract

Plant diseases are one of the major factors that can limit crop productivity and have a serious impact on the economic output of a farm. They cause 14% yield losses to agriculture in the world. Nanotechnology is emerging in agriculture, and it provides efficient and sustainable food production by improving rapid diagnosis and detection of different diseases and pest incidence in plants using nanoformulations, enhancing the ability of plants to control diseases and environmentally safe application of chemicals and increasing the efficacy of pesticides by using only minor doses through nano-based materials. Recently, several studies have reported that nanoformulations can be used for improving the yield and quality of several crops by reducing the amount of chemicals released in the environment. This chapter provides a compilation of technologies involved in synthesis of nanoparticles and then an overview of the application of nanotechnology in agriculture with special focus on plant protection products and nanopesticides. In fact, the nanotechnologies potency was discussed in an integrated pest management issue as cost-effective and eco-friendly methodologies. The advantages and limitations of nanotechnologies were also discussed in order to provide a support in making decision.