Tripartite Interaction Among Nanoparticles, Symbiotic Microbes, and Plants: Current Scenario and Future Perspectives

Abstract

In recent few decades, our understanding in the field of nanobiotechnology is increased dramatically. A number of nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized by physical, chemical, as well as relatively safer green synthesis method. NPs seem to be the substitute for their respective bulk particles because of better action and sustained release. In agriculture production NPs could replace the use of chemical fertilizer in bulk, which otherwise deteriorates the soil health in the long term. However, because of unregulated use, it has posed negative impacts on ecosystems. NPs in the soil interact with the belowground microbes. The interaction reported till date is positive, negative, or neutral. For the application of engineered NPs in the agricultural field, it is of prime importance to understand the interaction among NPs, soil microbes, and plant roots. However, being a relatively new field, this understating is still at its beginning. This chapter reports about the interaction of NPs with symbiotic microbes, e.g., arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, Rhizobia, etc. The mechanisms behind the reported interactions till date are generalized with the help of artwork. The chapter ends with the future perspectives of NPs along with the symbiotic soil microbes in increasing agronomy and soil heath.