Chapter 4 - Reconnoitering bionanomaterials for mitigation of abiotic stress in plants

Abstract

In the present scenario, the agriculture sector faces serious challenges to meet the food demand of the growing population, as there is a massive loss in crop yield due to several environmental factors. Among these, the abiotic stresses are the most significant constraints affecting crop production and plant development. These diverse abiotic stresses have increased as a result of both natural and anthropogenic activities, and the scientific community is much concerned about reducing their impact to increase crop yield potential. The rapid growth and extensive implementation of nanotechnology have increased the number of bionanomaterials that eventually help in the alleviation of abiotic stress conditions in crops. Metal or metal oxide nanoparticles can be synthesized through a variety of physical, chemical, and biological approaches. Nanomaterials may have toxic effects on plants that are induced by various reactive species such as oxygen and nitrogen at specific concentrations. Furthermore, bionanomaterials as a unique agrochemical supplier promote the site-specific, regulated supply of nutrients with improved crop protection. Further research, at molecular and subcellular levels, is essential to establish the bionanomaterials behavior and actions in inhibiting plant stress. This chapter summarizes the recent efforts on the use of bionanomaterials in agriculture that can help to mitigate abiotic stresses to attain environmental sustainability.