Nanoparticles In Agriculture Research Articles

Influence of iron nanoparticles (Fe3O4 and Fe2O3) on the growth, photosynthesis and antioxidant balance of wheat plants (Triticum aestivum)

More and more attention is paid to the development of technologies using iron nanoparticles in agriculture. In this regard, the effect of treatment of wheat seeds with various concentrations of iron nanoparticles Fe3O4 and Fe2O3 on the accumulation of biomass, the rate of photosynthesis and respiration, as well as on photochemical activity and antioxidant balance was studied. The seeds were treated for 3 h, germinated for 2 days in Petri dishes, transplanted into sand and grown under light for 18 days without mineral nutrition until the third leaf appeared. At a Fe3O4 concentration of 200 mg L-1 a significant increase in the dry biomass of the second leaf by 45% and the rate of photosynthesis by 16% was observed. At a concentration of nanoparticles in the form of Fe2O3 of 200 and 500 mg L-1, an increase in the rate of photosynthesis in the second leaf was also observed, but not in the biomass of the leaves. The activity of photosystem 2, estimated from the Fv/Fm value, also increased in experiments with nanoiron. However, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, guaiacol-dependent peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, decreased. It is assumed that the acceleration of growth at an early stage of wheat development is associated with an increase in photosynthetic processes.

Copper accumulation and physiological markers of soybean (Glycine max) grown in agricultural soil amended with copper nanoparticles

Copper-based nanoparticles (NPs) display a strong potential to replace copper salts (e.g., CuSO4) for application in agricultures as antimicrobial agents or nutritional amendments. Yet, their effects on crop quality are still not comprehensively understood. In this study, the Cu contents in soybeans grown in soils amended with Cu NPs and CuSO4 at 100–500 mg Cu/kg and the subsequent effects on the plant physiological markers were determined. The Cu NPs induced 29–89% at the flowering stage (on Day 40) and 100–165% at maturation stage (on Day 100) more Cu accumulation in soybeans than CuSO4. The presence of particle aggregates in the root cells with deformation upon the Cu NP exposure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The Cu NPs at 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly improved the plant height and biomass, yet significantly inhibited at 500 mg/kg, compared to the control. In leaves chlorophyll-b was more sensitive than chlorophyll-a and carotenoids to the Cu NP effect. The Cu NPs significantly decreased the root nitrogen and phosphorus contents, while they significantly increased the leaf potassium content in comparison with control. Our results imply that cautious use of Cu NPs in agriculture is warranted due to relatively high uptake of Cu and altered nutrient quality in soybeans.

Nanotechnology: Recent Progress in Agriculture and Effects on Physiology of Plants

The naturally occurring and synthesised nanoparticles (NPs) display significant effects on the physiology of plants. This paper emphasised the current application of synthetic NPs in agriculture, several advantages and physiological responses during the growth of plants. Nano pore size of particles provides higher surface areas hence enhances the water holding capacity of the soil, efficacy delivery of fertilisers and pesticides (pest and diseases infestation) on crops. The application of NPs via soil or mist involves uptake by plant via roots or foliar cell wall and translocation to other organs through vascular system and plasmodesmata within the cells. The physicochemical properties of NPs have advantages including enabling the increase of soil water retention in mitigating the drought and/or salinity stresses in plants. Nanoparticles enhance the germination of seed and maintain plant growth by promoting the production of enzymes in scavenging oxygen radicals, phytohormone balancing, nutrient metabolisms and expression of amino acid biosynthetic genes and photosystem. Given the diverse physiological and molecular effects of NPs, precautionary steps prior to their application either as fertiliser or carrier should be considered to avoid toxicity and destructive effects on plants, animals, water body and the environment.

The role of halophytic nanoparticles towards the remediation of degraded and saline agricultural lands.

Salinity is one of the major causes of abiotic stress that leads to a reduction in crop yield. One strategy to alleviate and improve crop yield is to use halophytes. These types of plants naturally produce bioactive secondary metabolites, proteins, carbohydrates, and biopolymers that are involved in specialized physiological adaptation mechanisms to alleviate soil salinity. These traits could be leveraged and, in turn, be the focus of future breeding programs aimed to improve salinity resistance in traditional crops. Recently, the field of nanotechnology has gained the attention of researchers involved in agricultural science and associated disciplines. However, information on salinity tolerance mechanisms of halophytes, based on nanoparticles in agricultural crop plants, is limited. Recently, the use of selected halophytic-based nanoparticles has shown to improve crop performance by enhancing the plants' ion flux, improving water efficiency, root hydraulic movement in the favor of plant photosynthesis, the production of proteins involved in oxidation-reduction reactions, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification, and hormonal signaling pathways under stress. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight the application of halophytic nanoparticles in alleviating salt stress in plants by understanding the mechanisms of plant growth, water relation, ion flux, photosynthesis, and the antioxidant defense system. This review also addresses uncertainties, ecotoxicological concerns, and associated drawbacks of nanoparticles on the environment. Future research perspectives with respect to the sustainable usage of nanoparticles in saline agriculture have also been presented.

Vital roles of sustainable nano-fertilizers in improving plant quality and quantity-an updated review.

Nanotechnology has received much attention because of its distinctive properties and many applications in various fields. Nanotechnology is a new approach to increase agricultural production with premium quality, environmental safety, biological support, and financial stability. Ecofriendly technology is becoming progressively important in modern agricultural applications as alternatives to traditional fertilizers and pesticides. Nanotechnology offers an alternative solution to overcome the disadvantages of conventional agriculture. Therefore, recent developments in using nanoparticles (NPs) in agriculture should be studied. This review presented a novel overview about the biosynthesis of NPs, using NPs as nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides, the applications of NPs in agriculture, and their role in enhancing the function of biofactors. We also, show recent studies on NPs-plant interactions, the fate and safety of nanomaterials in plants, and NPs' function in alleviating the adverse effects of abiotic stress and heavy metal toxicity. Nano-fertilizers are essential to reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers and reduce their antagonisticeffects on the environment. Nano-fertilizers are more reactive, can penetrate the epidermis allowing for gradual release, and targeted distribution, and thus reducing nutrients surplus, enhancing nutrient use efficiency. We also, concluded that NPs are crucial in alleviatingabiotic stress and heavy metal toxicity. However, some studies reported the toxic effects of NPs on higher plants by induction of oxidative stress signals via depositing NPs on the cell surface and in organelles. The knowledge in our review article is critical in defining limitations and future perspectives of using nano-fertilizers as an alternative to conventional fertilizers.

Evaluating green silver nanoparticles as prospective biopesticides: An environmental standpoint

The current method of agriculture entails the usage of excessive amounts of pesticides and fertilizers. The blatant use of conventional pesticides and fertilizers over several decades has led to their bioaccumulation with adverse effects on soil biodiversity and the development of resistance by pests. With the decline in clinically useful antibiotics and increase in multi drug resistant microbes, it is imperative to develop new and effective antimicrobial therapies. Growing awareness and demand for efficacious biorational pesticides are on the rise. Silver nanoparticles are widely known antimicrobials and have been in use for several purposes for a long time. This work reviews the implications of applying silver nanoparticles in agriculture and their possible consequences. The physiological and biochemical changes in plants due to the uptake of silver nanoparticles as a consequence of its morphology, capping biomolecules and method of application are comprehensively discussed in this review article. Studies on tolerance levels or stress due to silver nanoparticles by variation in concentration/doses on diverse flora and fauna are also analyzed here. Further, phytotoxicity and genotoxicity due to the metal as well as its transformation in soil, water and sludge are taken into account. We also gauge the potential of biogenic silver nanoparticles-viable antimicrobial agents for enhanced applications in agriculture as biopesticides.

The Role of Selenium Nanoparticles in Agriculture and Food Technology.

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for diverse organisms such as mammals, bacteria, some insects and nematodes, archaea, and algae, as it is involved in a large number of physiological and metabolic processes and is part of approximately 25 selenoproteins in mammals. In plants, Se has no essential metabolic role, high concentrations of inorganic Se can lead to the formation of Se-amino acids, and its incorporation into selenoproteins can generate toxicity. Conversely, low doses of Se can trigger a variety of beneficial effects as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, or stress-modulating agent without being an essential element. Therefore, Se can generate toxicity depending on the dose and the chemical form in which it is supplied. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have emerged as an approach to reduce this negative effect and improve its biological properties. In turn, SeNPs have a wide range of potential advantages, making them an alternative for areas such as agriculture and food technology. This review focuses on the use of SeNPs and their different applications as antimicrobial agents, growth promoters, crop biofortification, and nutraceuticals in agriculture. In addition, the utilization of SeNPs in the generation of packaging with antioxidant and antimicrobial traits and Se enrichment of animal source foods for human consumption as part of food technology is addressed. Additionally, possible action mechanisms and potential adverse effects are discussed. The concentration, size, and synthesis method of SeNPs are determining factors of their biological properties.

Nanoparticles for Sustainable Agriculture and their Effect on Plants

Abstract: Nano-biotechnology is gaing attention in the field of agriculture because of its different applications such as release of nutrients, pesticides, nanosensors, veterinary care, detection of nutrient deficiencies and many more. Nanoparticles, measured in nano size, is used in variety of forms to improve the efficiency of nutrient utilization and reduces the costs of environmental protection. Nano fertilizer, one of the important aspect of nanoparticles. It facilitates incorporation of measured amount of nutrition to the crops which reduces the chance of nutrition loss, thus helps to improve crop fertility. Toxic waste from soil and water can also be reduced by the use of different agrichemicals. Nanotechnology has the potential to detect the disease at an early stage and also improves the ability of plants to uptake nutrients, thus improving agriculture and food industry. This review covers the use of different nanoparticles in agriculture as plant growth promoters and their use in controlling plant diseases.

Toxicity of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles to soil organic matter cycling and their interaction with rice-straw derived biochar

Given the rapidly increasing use of metal oxide nanoparticles in agriculture as well as their inadvertent addition through sewage sludge application to soils, it is imperative to assess their possible toxic effects on soil functions that are vital for healthy crop production. In this regard, we designed a lab study to investigate the potential toxicity of one of the most produced nanoparticles, i.e. zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO), in a calcareous soil. Microcosms of 80 g of dry-equivalent fresh soils were incubated in mason jars for 64 days, after adding 100 or 1000 mg of biogenically produced nZnO kg−1 soil. Moreover, we also added rice-straw derived biochar at 1 or 5% (w: w basis) hypothesizing that the biochar would alleviate nZnO-induced toxicity given that it has been shown to adsorb and detoxify heavy metals in soils. We found that the nZnO decreased microbial biomass carbon by 27.0 to 33.5% in 100 mg nZnO kg−1 soil and by 39.0 to 43.3% in 1000 mg nZnO kg−1 soil treatments across biochar treatments in the short term i.e. 24 days after incubation. However, this decrease disappeared after 64 days of incubation and the microbial biomass in nZnO amended soils were similar to that in control soils. This shows that the toxicity of nZnO in the studied soil was ephemeral and transient which was overcome by the soil itself in a couple of months. This is also supported by the fact that the nZnO induced higher cumulative C mineralization (i.e. soil respiration) at both rates of addition. The treatment 100 mg nZnO kg−1 soil induced 166 to 207%, while 1000 mg nZnO kg−1 soil induced 136 to 171% higher cumulative C mineralization across biochar treatments by the end of the experiment. However, contrary to our hypothesis increasing the nZnO addition from 100 to 1000 mg nZnO kg−1 soil did not cause additional decrease in microbial biomass nor induced higher C mineralization. Moreover, the biochar did not alleviate even the ephemeral toxicity that was observed after 24d of incubation. Based on overall results, we conclude that the studied soil can function without impairment even at 1000 mg kg−1 concentration of nZnO in it.

Uptake, Translocation, and Consequences of Nanomaterials on Plant Growth and Stress Adaptation

Nanotechnology has shown promising potential tools and strategies at the nanometer scale to improve food production and meet the future demands of agricultural and food security. However, considering nanotechnology’s potential benefits to date, their applicability has not yet reached up to field conditions. Increasing concerns regarding absorption, translocation, bioavailability, toxicity of nanoparticles, and impropriety of the regulatory framework restrict the complete acceptance and inclination of the agricultural sector to implement nanotechnologies. The biological function of nanoparticles depends on their physicochemical properties, the method of application, and concentration. The effects of the various types of nanoparticles (NPs) on plants were determined to increase seed germination and biomass or grain yield. The NPs also increased the plant’s resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses. The plant’s biological functions depend on the events that occur at the molecular level. However, little progress has been made at the molecular level influenced by nanoparticles, which is an important step in evaluating potential mechanisms and plants’ effects. Therefore, it is important to understand plants’ underlying mechanism and response towards nanoparticles, and the gene expression changes through molecular approaches. The associations of nanomaterials with plant cells, the process of internalization, and the distribution of biomolecules using nanoparticles as a carrier are studied but not well understood. The transmission of biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, is a major obstacle due to cell walls, limiting the application of nanomaterials in crop enhancement mediated by genetic engineering. Recently, the use of different nanomaterials for nucleic acid delivery in plant cells has been published. Here, we aim to update researchers on the absorption and translocation of nanoparticles and elaborate on the importance of nanoparticles in agriculture and crop stress tolerance.

Plant Stimulant to Nanotoxicity: Recent Advancements and Opportunities

Nanotechnology has come a long way showing major contributions in the field of agriculture and food production. The use of nanoparticles (NPs) is increasing day by day as they possess better solubility, enhanced magnetic and optical properties, and better surface to charge ratio. The affirmative effects due to the use of NPs have been explained, including enhanced germination, increased root and shoot length, and the overall increase in plant biomass along with improvement in physiological parameters like photosynthetic activity. Recently, the toxicological effects of NPs in agriculture have become a matter of concern. The current review focuses on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative damage and defense mechanism in response to phytotoxicity caused by the use of NPs. The other aspects in this review include the effect of NPs on macromolecule concentration, plant hormones and crop quality. The review also discusses the future prospects of NPs on plant phytotoxicity and growth. Furthermore, it also discusses the possible measures which can be taken for plant protection and growth while using NPs in agriculture.

Nanopesticides and Nanofertilizers and Agricultural Development: Scopes, Advances and Applications

Excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture in order to increase yields has proved unnecessary because a large part of them remain unused and have negative effects on the environment and human health. Therefore, it is a great challenge for farmers to replace the application of pesticides and fertilizers with nanopesticides and nanofertilizers, with the aim of reducing the use of mineral fertilizers and increasing yields, as well as supporting agricultural development. This review provides a detailed overview of the classification of pesticides, commonly used nanoparticles in agriculture and their function, as well as impact of nanopesticides and nanofertilizers on the environment. The application of nanopesticides and nanofertilizers and new delivery mechanisms to improve crop productivity are reviewed and described. Particularly, the advantage of the nanoencapsulation process is emphasized for both pesticides and fertilizers. For hydrophobic pesticides, it may be a tool to provide greater stability, dispersion in aqueous media, and allowing a controlled release of the active compound, which increases its effectiveness. In nanofertilizers, micro- or macronutrients can be encapsulated by nanomaterials which allow to release of nutrients into the soil gradually and in a controlled way maintaining soil fertility, thus preventing eutrophication and pollution of water resources. Risks assessment of application of nanopesticides and nanofertilizers in agriculture are required for their correct and safe application.

Nano-ZnO-Induced Drought Tolerance Is Associated with Melatonin Synthesis and Metabolism in Maize.

The applications of ZnO nanoparticles in agriculture have largely contributed to crop growth regulation, quality enhancement, and induction of stress tolerance, while the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Herein, the involvement of melatonin synthesis and metabolism in the process of nano-ZnO induced drought tolerance was investigated in maize. Drought stress resulted in the changes of subcellular ultrastructure, the accumulation of malondialdehyde and osmolytes in leaf. The nano-ZnO (100 mg L−1) application promoted the melatonin synthesis and activated the antioxidant enzyme system, which alleviated drought-induced damage to mitochondria and chloroplast. These changes were associated with upregulation of the relative transcript abundance of Fe/Mn SOD, Cu/Zn SOD, APX, CAT, TDC, SNAT, COMT, and ASMT induced by nano-ZnO application. It was suggested that modifications in endogenous melatonin synthesis were involved in the nano-ZnO induced drought tolerance in maize.

A mesoporous silica nanoparticle technology applied in dilute nutrient solution accelerated establishment of zoysiagrass

AbstractUse of nanoparticles in agriculture is anticipated to have beneficial outcomes, including the potential for improving nutrient delivery. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) are hydrophilic porous materials with high surface area and charge and have been shown to be taken up and mobilized by plants. Untreated MSNPs have interacted with plant nutrition in controlled studies, but little research has been conducted in the field. In this study, we tested the impact of a commercially available MSNP technology on establishment of two turfgrasses from sprigs in North Central Florida. Treatments included combinations of MSNPs (–NP, with no nanoparticles; +NP, with nanoparticles), which were foliarly applied in dilute nutrient solution, and two rates of background fertility (high and low fertility), which were applied by granular fertilizer. All treatments were applied weekly. The MSNPs were effective in enhancing the rate of establishment in zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.) in combination with both high and low fertility. For the low fertility +NP treatment, this substantially improved nutrient‐use efficiency, as establishment was reduced by just 7.6% compared to the high fertility –NP treatment with 75% less fertilizer. No impact was observed on bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. Transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy). Tissue nutrient concentrations indicated the nutrients most likely limiting growth were K, Mg, Ca, Zn, and Mn. The results suggest MSNPs provided more effective delivery of one or more limiting nutrients to zoysiagrass than nutrients from other sources, enhancing the rate of growth. The MSNPs offer the potential to establish turfgrasses with lower fertilizer inputs.

Study of effects of metallic nanoparticles when introduced into soil on plant Triticum vulgare

We studied the effect of metal nanoparticles (Fe, Mo and SiO2, and also Fe and Mo together) at concentration of 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg dry weight of soil on the morphological and biochemical parameters of soft wheat. (Triticum vulgare Vill). We found that morphometric parameters of test samples were generally superior to control samples. In course of assessing the viability of plant cells, we recorded that experimental groups had viability values of at least 90%. Thus, it allowed us to conclude that the concentrations of nanoparticles used by us did not have a toxic effect on the viability of the roots. When evaluating the enzymatic antioxidant system of plants and the degree of lipid peroxidation, we noted the absence of oxidative stress, while increasing the protective potential of plants. Thus, our studies are the basis for studying the possibility of using nanoparticles in agriculture for intensifying plant growth and increasing their yield.

Effect of metal nanoparticles on physiological and biochemical parameters of soft Wheat

The study was aimed at studying the complex responses of Wheat plants (Triticum vulgare Vill) in the application of nanoparticles Fe, Mo and SiO2, as well as together Fe and Mo at doses of 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg of dry soil weight. Thus, the morphometric parameters of the prototypes were generally superior to the control samples. In assessing the viability of plant cells, we found that in all experimental samples the viability values were not less than 90% for wheat plants, which allows us to assert that the concentrations of nanoparticles used by us did not have a toxic effect on the viability of the roots. When assessing the enzymatic antioxidant system of plants and the degree of lipid peroxidation, we recorded the absence of oxidative stress, while increasing the protective potential of plants. Thus, our research is the basis for studying the possibility of using nanoparticles in agriculture to intensify plant growth and increase their productivity.

Prospecting the interactions of nanoparticles with beneficial microorganisms for developing green technologies for agriculture

Agriculturally important microorganisms are environment-friendly options which regulate the efficiency and accessibility of nutrients to crop plants, thereby improving fertility by enriching the biodiversity and nutrients in soil. To augment the efficiency of microbial agents, several researchers have explored the unique properties of nanoparticles (NPs), particularly their size-activity relationships. Nanofertilizers such as ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using soil fungi or nanopyrite dressings are known to enhance nutrient mobilization and their uptake in plants; however, published reports on the intricate reactions between nanoparticles and agriculturally beneficial microorganisms are scanty. Several nanoparticles, particularly those of silver or copper exhibit inhibitory effects on microorganisms, but the effects of sub-lethal doses or long-term exposure on pathogens are less understood. This review addresses aspects related to interactions of nanoparticles with microorganisms, including their uptake and accumulation, besides both the stimulatory and inhibitory roles played by nanoparticles in plant growth and productivity, particularly in the agricultural scenario. Several phytopathogens cause severe crop and monetary losses; the benefits of using nanoparticles in agriculture as biocontrol agents needs intensive experimentation on a case to case basis, as this can be a valuable and significant strategy in the coming years.

Foliar Application of Copper Nanoparticles Increases the Fruit Quality and the Content of Bioactive Compounds in Tomatoes

Nanotechnology is a potential and emerging field with multiple applications in different areas of study. The beneficial effects of the use of nanoparticles in agriculture have already been proven. The objective of this research was to determine if the foliar application of Cu nanoparticles (NPs) could increase the content of the bioactive compounds in tomato fruits. Our study considered four treatments with different concentrations of Cu nanoparticles (50, 125, 250, 500 mg L−1, diameter 50 nm) applied twice during the development of the culture. The effects on the fruit quality and the contents of the antioxidant compounds were determined. The application of the Cu nanoparticles induced the production of fruits with greater firmness. Vitamin C, lycopene, and the ABTS antioxidant capacity increased compared to the Control. In addition, a decrease in the ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzymatic activity was observed, while the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes showed a significant increase. The application of Cu NPs induced a greater accumulation of bioactive compounds in tomato fruits.

Effect of Parthenium based vermicompost and zinc oxide nanoparticles on growth and yield of Arachis hypogaea L. in zinc deficient soil

Abstract Zinc is an important micro nutrient and is vital for germination, chlorophyll production, pollen function and fertilization. An investigation was carried out to explain the effect of Parthenium based vermicompost and nanoparticles (zinc oxide nanoparticles) on the growth profile and yield of Arachis hypogaea L. in zinc deficient soil. Parthenium mediated zinc oxide nanoparticle and zinc sulphate treated seeds were cultivated in zinc deficient soil. Presence of zinc oxide nanoparticles in the treated seeds were confirmed through atomic absorption spectroscopy. Various growth and yield related parameters, including fresh weight, dry weight, shoot length, root length, chlorophyll content, total free phenols, reducing sugar and total soluble sugar, number of pods etc. was positively affected by the nanoparticle treatment. Chlorophyll as well as total free phenols, reducing sugar and total soluble sugar levels were increased up to 300 ppm of zinc oxide nanoparticles treatments. Zinc oxide nanoparticle treatment increased the number of pods per plant when compared to control treatment. Best increase in pods and grains yield was recorded at 300 ppm of zinc oxide nanoparticle treatment. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were used as fertilizer for zinc deficient soil. The uses of nanoparticles in agriculture may be enhancing the crop production in deficient soil.

Enhancing seed germination and seedlings development of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) by SiO2 nanoparticles

Our knowledge concerning the mode of action of engineered nanoparticles in agriculture is still lacking. The key point of this study is to investigate the role of nano-silica (NS) to enhance seed germination and growth development of common bean. Four different concentrations of NS suspensions (100, 200, 300, and 400 mg L-1) were supplemented to nursery and growth media. Our results showed that 300 mg L-1 of NS increased the final germination percentage from 82.3 to 97.7%, germination speed from 24.9 to 36.2% / day, vigour index from 14.3 to 20.2, and decreased the mean germination time from 4.3 to 3.3 days. Strikingly, 300 mg L-1 of NS increased the root dry mass of common bean seedlings by 93.5%, shoot dry mass by 78.7%, root length by 32.7%, and shoot length by 13.2% versus untreated seedlings.This study proved that NS is able to improve germination and growth of common bean as a result for altering some physiochemical reactions after penetrating the seed coat.