The global trend of nanomaterial usage to control the important agricultural arthropod pests: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Global warming and climate change have favored the resurgence of arthropod pests and their short lifecycle. The massive use of synthetic chemicals for insect pest control has indirectly favored global warming, ecotoxicity, and insecticide resistance in agricultural arthropod pests. Additionally, the increasing population of the world required more food, and a significant proportion of the agricultural produced is deteriorated by arthropod pests and other biotic and abiotic factors. Recently, nanotechnology has revolutionized the agricultural industries in the current era. Extremely small size and physio-morphic properties of nanomaterials have attracted the interest of researchers to develop nano-fertilizers, nano-pesticides, and nano-herbicides that have overwhelmed the aforementioned problems and increase crop productivity. Micronutrient based nano-pesticides like Ag, ZnO, TiO2, Cu, and SiO2 have not only enhanced the arthropod pest's biogenicity but also boost-up crop productivity. There are some apprehensions regarding nanomaterial synthesis and usage as nano-pesticides but the physio-morphic characteristics of nanostructured metals offers a cheap and excellent solution for pest control. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the global trend in nanomaterial usage for controlling important agricultural arthropod pests. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to evaluate the research landscape and identify key trends in this field. The review encompasses various aspects, including the emergence of chemical pesticides, the fate of pesticides in arthropod pest management, and the detrimental effects of pesticides on the ecosystem. The role of nanotechnology in agroecosystems is discussed, specifically focusing on the utilization of nanomaterials in arthropod pest management. The review provides an in-depth analysis of the role of silver, zinc, copper, titanium, gold, iron, silica, and aluminum nanoparticles in pest control, highlighting their efficacy and mechanisms of action. The findings underscore the importance of continued research and responsible implementation to overcome the limitations and harness the full potential of nanomaterials in arthropod pest management for the benefit of sustainable agriculture.