Chapter 14 - Prospects of hybrid nanomaterials in plant growth promotion

Abstract

The current applications of nanomaterials in various sectors have created prospects for the development and fabrication of different hybrid nanomaterials targeting specific properties. This has significantly contributed to electronics, textile, cosmetics, and many other sectors. Now, the prospects of nanomaterials in agricultural production are being explored extensively. The application of nanomaterials can fight the current challenges of the agricultural sector. One of the biggest challenges of the agricultural sector is the demand for increased crop production and the protection of crops from unfavorable situations (pest/pathogens, climate change). However, more than half the applied fertilizers and pesticides can be lost to the environment due to leaching and decomposition, consequently polluting the environment. To overcome these challenges, scientists have developed many hybrid nanocomposites that contribute greatly to plant growth promotion and protection. The main focus of this chapter is to find the role of polymer-coated nanomaterials and metal oxide nanomaterials in plant growth and protection against plant pathogens/pests.