Chapter Two - Nanoparticles derived from plants and their various applications

Abstract

The introduction of nanotechnology has heralded a new age in agriculture, providing creative ways to improve plant development and protection. This chapter focuses on the notion of plants as nanofactories, that exploits nanoparticles’ unique capabilities to alter plant health and nutrition. Because of their large surface area and reactivity, nanoparticles are ideal agrochemical transporters, providing targeted delivery and controlled release, reducing environmental impact, and improving fertilizer and pesticide effectiveness. Recent breakthroughs have revealed the potential of nanomaterials to improve photosynthetic performance, widen the light spectrum for photosynthesis, and boost plant stress tolerance. Furthermore, integrating nanobiotechnology has created smart plant sensors capable of real-time monitoring of plant health, resource allocation optimization, and agricultural process automation. The biological production of nanoparticles from plants and microorganisms has been acknowledged as a green and effective technology, boosting the nanofactories' applicability in various fields. While nanotechnology has several benefits in agriculture, including increased crop production and sustainable farming techniques, it is critical to address the knowledge gaps and possible hazards of using nanomaterials. This chapter discusses the significance of nanoparticles in plant systems, the methods by which they impact plant growth and development, and future research plans in this field to ensure food security and environmental sustainability.