The Role of Metallic Nanoparticles in Crop Growth and Development

Dear Colleagues,

Exploration for sustainable applications of nanotechnology in agriculture has gained tremendous momentum over the past few years. The enormous potential of metallic nanoparticles as crop growth promotors, plant disease inhibitors, and slow-releasing nutrient sources is increasingly recognized. Meanwhile, their potential phototoxicity and accumulation in plant tissues are constantly brought to attention, even though the health implications of their accumulation in edible tissues remain unknown. In addition to their direct interactions with plants, agriculturally applied metallic nanoparticles interact with coexisting environmental pollutants and plant nutrients to alter their availability and toxicity. This secondary effect of metallic nanoparticles on the fate and transport of co-existing chemicals has attracted more attention recently. Additionally, it is important to realize that in the agricultural setting, other factors, most notably soil health, play key roles in dictating the impact of metallic nanoparticles on crop growth and development. This Special Issue aims to provide a concentrated venue to publish the most impactful research on the broad field of metallic nanoparticles and crop growth to contribute to the advancement of sustainable applications of nanotechnology in agriculture. Both novel research articles and reviews will be considered.

Prof. Xingmao Ma
Guest Editor

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