Biofabricated nanoscale ZnO and their prospective in disease suppression and crop growth of Brassica species: A review

Abstract

Biofabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Np’s) are made by biological means for example microbes, plants, etc. by using nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is the technology that involves the manipulation of a matter up to a nanometre scale by various methods. The future of the industrial revolution is nanotechnology and almost all the industries developing or developed will be fundamentally renovated by this technology soon. Besides application in various fields nanotechnology have a promising role in agriculture which is the heart and soul of the Indian economy. As per the scientists, metal and metal oxide nanomaterials in agriculture can help in improving the poor agriculture conditions in India. Recent reports indicate that 80% of diseases in crop plants occur due to fungal pathogens and to cure these diseases, various chemical, as well as biological fungicides, have been used. Chemical fungicides are toxic to our environment whereas biofabricated metal and metal oxides nanoparticles for example ZnO Np’s are eco-friendly, non-toxic, cost-effective, have antimicrobial activity, and also have a role in crop growth. The mechanistic approach behind their antifungal activity and crop growth is not fully explored yet. Fungal pathogens like Alternaria species and Sclerotinia species infect Brassica species which is the second most economically important oilseed crop after groundnut. There is a need for new strategies to develop novel fungicides to control fungal infections. The present review will address the possible role of ZnO Np’s in disease suppression caused by the fungal pathogens of Brassica species and also their role in crop growth.