Chapter 15 - Nanostructured materials based on copper/carbon as a plant growth stimulant

Abstract

Continuously increasing global population growth requires an adequate amount of food to fulfill the requirements of all living creatures. The demand for food might be fulfilled by increasing the yield of crops. In this regard, nanostructured materials have become more accepted in various areas of research, including agriculture. Nanostructured materials have improved the development of plants and the efficiency of the crops, as well as protecting them against diseases. Such nanostructured materials translocate within the plants, increasing the adsorption of water, and subsequently enhancing seed germination as well as crop yield. Numerous materials such as carbon-based nanostructured fullerene (C60), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanofibers (CNFs), graphite, etc. as well as metal- and metal oxide-based nanomaterials such as CuO, TiO2, CeO2, Fe3O4, and ZnO have been used as plant growth stimulants. Among all of the Cu- and carbon-based nanostructured materials extensively used in the growth of plants, the Cu-based nanostructured materials best augment the growth of crops as well as protect against various diseases due to their antibacterial and antifungal characteristics. The carbon-based nanostructured materials like CNTs, CNFs, and graphene easily penetrate within the seed coat, which enhances water uptake capacity, thereby improving the growth of plants. The translocation, deposition, and interaction of nanostructured materials are essential for the development of plants. In this chapter, we focus on the role of Cu/carbon-based nanostructured materials in the production of plants. The interaction of Cu- and carbon-based nanostructured materials is also discussed. Finally, we also address the translocation mechanism of Cu/carbon-based nanostructured materials and the prospects of such materials in agriculture.