Chapter 6 - Role of Engineered Zinc and Copper Oxide Nanoparticles in Promoting Plant Growth and Yield: Present Status and Future Prospects

Abstract

Crop plants treated with engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) show enhanced growth and crop yield without causing any toxic effects at lower doses. Recent studies suggest that zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) oxide metallic nanoparticles are found to be essential micronutrients and act as a plant growth promoting complex. Nanoparticle exposure could alter the cell signaling of molecular level, which leads to promotion of cell growth, and development of crop plants. ENPs at lower dose could significantly increase the vegetative growth and crop yields. The effects of ENPs on plant growth and yield may vary from species to species. The ENPs could regulate different morphological, physiochemical, molecular and metabolic processes in crop plants. This chapter discusses the impact of zinc and copper oxide nanoparticles on signaling, gene expression, seed germination, seedling growth, and crop yield in plants. The interactions between nanoparticles exposure and plant responses, including their uptake, transport, internalization, and antioxidant activity could revolutionize crop productivity through increased plant growth, antioxidative enzyme level, nutrient uptake and yield potential significantly in different crop plants.