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4 pages, 153 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Nanomaterials on Plant Growth and Stress Adaptation

by Yolanda González-García and Antonio Juárez-Maldonado

Plants 2025, 14(11), 1651; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14111651 - 29 May 2025

Viewed by 591

Abstract

Nanotechnology has been proven to be a useful tool in many fields [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials on Plant Growth and Stress Adaptation)

Research

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21 pages, 24958 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Boron and Cobalt Nanoparticles Be Beneficial Effectors to Prevent Flooding-Induced Damage in Durum and Bread Wheat at Germination and Tillering Stage?

by Antonina A. Novikova, Ekaterina Y. Podlasova, Svyatoslav V. Lebedev, Vyacheslav V. Latushkin, Natalia N. Glushchenko, Kirill A. Sudarikov, Alexander A. Gulevich, Pyotr A. Vernik, Olga V. Shelepova and Ekaterina N. Baranova

Plants 2025, 14(7), 1044; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14071044 - 27 Mar 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 564

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the possible effects of cobalt and boron nanoparticles as an inducer of the first stages of development (germination) of hard and soft wheat when simulating flooding as one of the limiting environmental factors. We also investigated the remote [...] Read more.

In this study, we investigated the possible effects of cobalt and boron nanoparticles as an inducer of the first stages of development (germination) of hard and soft wheat when simulating flooding as one of the limiting environmental factors. We also investigated the remote effect of treating wheat grains with nanoparticles when flooding was applied already at the tillering stage. To identify the effects of nanoparticles, we used morphometric, biochemical and phenotypic parameters of seedlings and plants of two wheat species differing in origin and the response of these parameters to flooding. Positive effects were found at the germination stage, increasing quantitative indicators under stress. The sensitivity of wheat species to flooding was different, which corresponds to historical and climatic aspects of cultivation. Sensitivity to stress effects associated with loss of germination, decreased growth and photosynthesis was shown for both species. Treatment with cobalt and boron nanoparticles enhanced adaptation to stress and improved photosynthetic parameters, but the encouraging results under stressful conditions were ambiguous and in the case of soft wheat could lead to deterioration of some parameters. Thus, the use of boron and cobalt nanoparticles has potential for reducing productivity under stress, but requires a detailed assessment of the cultivation protocol depending on the genotype. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials on Plant Growth and Stress Adaptation)

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16 pages, 590 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Response of Maize (Zea mays L.) to Foliar-Applied Nanoparticles of Zinc Oxide and Manganese Oxide Under Drought Stress

by Perumal Kathirvelan, Sonam Vaishnavi, Venkatesan Manivannan, M. Djanaguiraman, S. Thiyageshwari, P. Parasuraman and M. K. Kalarani

Plants 2025, 14(5), 732; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050732 - 27 Feb 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 805

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important crop grown for food, feed, and energy. In general, maize yield is decreased due to drought stress during the reproductive stages, and, hence, it is critical to improve the grain yield under drought. A field [...] Read more.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important crop grown for food, feed, and energy. In general, maize yield is decreased due to drought stress during the reproductive stages, and, hence, it is critical to improve the grain yield under drought. A field experiment was conducted with a split-plot design. The main factor was the irrigation regime viz. well-irrigated conditions and withholding irrigation from tasseling to grain filling for 21 days. The subplots include six treatments, namely, (i) the control (water spray), (ii) zinc oxide @ 100 ppm, (iii) manganese oxide @ 20 ppm, (iv) nZnO @ 100 ppm + nMnO @ 20 ppm, (v) Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) Nano Revive @ 1.0%, and (vi) zinc sulfate 0.25% + manganese sulfate 0.25%. During drought stress, the anthesis–silking interval (ASI), chlorophyll a and b content, proline, starch, and carbohydrate fractions were recorded. At harvest, the grain-filling rate and duration, per cent green leaf area, and yield traits were recorded. Drought stress increased the proline (38.1%) and anthesis–silking interval (0.45 d) over the irrigated condition. However, the foliar application of ZnO (100 ppm) and nMnO (20 ppm) lowered the ASI and increased the green leaf area, leaf chlorophyll index, and proline content over water spray. The seed-filling rate (17%), seed-filling duration (11%), and seed yield (19%) decreased under drought. Nevertheless, the seed-filling rate (90%), seed-filling duration (13%), and seed yield (52%) were increased by the foliar spraying of nZnO (100 ppm) and nMnO (20 ppm) over water spray. These findings suggest that nZnO and nMnO significantly improve the grain yield of maize under drought stress conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials on Plant Growth and Stress Adaptation)

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16 pages, 4106 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Fe₃O₄@MCM-48 as Nano Fertilizer for Growth Stimulation in Tomato Plants

by Adriana Morfín-Gutiérrez, Luis Alfonso García-Cerda, Yolanda González-García and Antonio Juárez-Maldonado

Plants 2025, 14(3), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030405 - 29 Jan 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1090

Abstract

Innovative nano fertilizers based on nanoparticles present great potential for agriculture since they can stimulate growth and development in different crops. However, the efficiency of nanoparticles directly depends on their physicochemical characteristics, such as composition, shape, size, and the type of plant species. [...] Read more.

Innovative nano fertilizers based on nanoparticles present great potential for agriculture since they can stimulate growth and development in different crops. However, the efficiency of nanoparticles directly depends on their physicochemical characteristics, such as composition, shape, size, and the type of plant species. In this work, a material formed by mesoporous silica and iron oxide (Fe₃O₄@MCM-48) was synthesized and used as a nano fertilizer for tomato crop. Materials with different percentages of iron (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% by weight) were applied to study the effect of the amount of iron in the plants and compared with MCM-48 without iron and ferric chloride hexahydrate. Using X-ray diffraction (XRD), it was possible to identify the phases present in the system, and with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), it was observed that the material is made up of a matrix of MCM-48 with embedded Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles with a size of 5 nm. Also, the results show that all treatments with nano fertilizers increased the content of photosynthetic pigments and carotenoids in leaves. The use of nano fertilizers can be a viable option to improve the crop growth and efficiency of nutrient use in plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials on Plant Growth and Stress Adaptation)

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24 pages, 3116 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Effect of Sugarcane Bagasse and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Eco-Remediation of Cadmium-Contaminated Saline Soils in Wheat Cultivation

by Emad M. Hafez, Khadiga Alharbi, Hany S. Gharib, Alaa El-Dein Omara, Essam Elatafi, Maha M. Hamada, Emadelden Rashwan and Tarek Alshaal

Plants 2025, 14(1), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14010085 - 30 Dec 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1343

Abstract

Soil contamination with cadmium (Cd) and salinity poses a significant challenge, affecting crop health and productivity. This study explores the combined application of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) to mitigate the toxic effects of Cd and salinity in wheat [...] Read more.

Soil contamination with cadmium (Cd) and salinity poses a significant challenge, affecting crop health and productivity. This study explores the combined application of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) to mitigate the toxic effects of Cd and salinity in wheat plants. Field experiments conducted in Cd-contaminated saline soils revealed that the application of SCB (0, 5, and 10 t ha⁻¹) and ZnO NPs (0, 12.5, and 25 mg L⁻¹) significantly improved key soil physicochemical properties, including soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP). The combined application of SCB and ZnO NPs significantly mitigated the effects of Cd and salinity on soil and wheat plants. SCB (10 t ha⁻¹) reduced soil pH by 6.2% and ESP by 30.8% compared to the control, while increasing microbial biomass by 151.1%. ZnO NPs (25 mg L⁻¹) reduced Cd accumulation in wheat shoots by 43.3% and seeds by 46.3%, while SCB and ZnO NPs combined achieved a reduction of 74.1% and 62.9%, respectively. These amendments enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, with catalase (CAT) increasing by 35.3% and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) by 54.9%. Wheat grain yield increased by 42% with SCB alone and by 75.2% with combined SCB and ZnO NP treatment, underscoring their potential as eco-friendly soil amendments for saline, Cd-contaminated soils. These results underscore the potential of SCB and ZnO NPs as eco-friendly amendments for improving wheat productivity in contaminated soils, offering a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture in salt-affected areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials on Plant Growth and Stress Adaptation)

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16 pages, 2547 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) Enhance Salt Tolerance in Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) by Boosting the Antioxidant System and Increasing Essential Oil Composition

by Maryam Haghmadad Milani, Asghar Mohammadi, Sima Panahirad, Habib Farhadi, Parisa Labib, Muhittin Kulak, Gholamreza Gohari, Vasileios Fotopoulos and Federico Vita

Plants 2024, 13(20), 2934; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13202934 - 20 Oct 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2683

Abstract

Salinity represents a considerable environmental risk, exerting deleterious effects on horticultural crops. Nanotechnology has recently emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing plant tolerance to abiotic stress. Among nanoparticles, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) have been demonstrated to mitigate certain stress effects, [...] Read more.

Salinity represents a considerable environmental risk, exerting deleterious effects on horticultural crops. Nanotechnology has recently emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing plant tolerance to abiotic stress. Among nanoparticles, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) have been demonstrated to mitigate certain stress effects, including salinity. In the present study, the impact of CeO₂ NPs (0, 25, and 100 mg L⁻¹) on various morphological traits, photosynthetic pigments, biochemical parameters, and the essential oil profile of spearmint plants under moderate (50 mM NaCl) and severe (100 mM NaCl) salinity stress conditions was examined. As expected, salinity reduced morphological parameters, including plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weight of leaves and shoots, as well as photosynthetic pigments, in comparison to control. Conversely, it led to an increase in the content of proline, total phenols, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and antioxidant enzyme activities. In terms of CeO₂ NP applications, they improved the salinity tolerance of spearmint plants by increasing chlorophyll and carotenoid content, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities, and lowering MDA and H₂O₂ levels. However, CeO₂ NPs at 100 mg L⁻¹ had adverse effects on certain physiological parameters, highlighting the need for careful consideration of the applied concentration of CeO₂ NPs. Considering the response of essential oil compounds, combination of salinity stress and CeO₂ treatments led to an increase in the concentrations of L-menthone, pulegone, and 1,8-cineole, which are the predominant compounds in spearmint essential oil. In summary, foliar application of CeO₂ NPs strengthened the resilience of spearmint plants against salinity stress, offering new insights into the potential use of CeO₂ NP treatments to enhance crop stress tolerance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials on Plant Growth and Stress Adaptation)

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15 pages, 2284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Silica Nanoparticles Improved the Growth, Yield, and Grain Quality of Two Salt-Tolerant Rice Varieties under Saline Irrigation

by Wenyu Jin, Lin Li, Wenli He and Zhongwei Wei

Plants 2024, 13(17), 2452; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13172452 - 2 Sep 2024

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1979

Abstract

Salt stress significantly reduces rice yield and quality and is a global challenge, especially in arid and semi-arid regions with limited freshwater resources. The present study was therefore conducted to examine the potential of silica nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs) in mitigating the adverse [...] Read more.

Salt stress significantly reduces rice yield and quality and is a global challenge, especially in arid and semi-arid regions with limited freshwater resources. The present study was therefore conducted to examine the potential of silica nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs) in mitigating the adverse effects of saline irrigation water in salt-tolerant rice. Two salt-tolerant rice varieties, i.e., Y liangyou 957 (YLY957) and Jingliangyou 534 (JLY534), were irrigated with 0.6% salt solution to simulate high-salt stress and two SiO₂ NPs were applied, i.e., control (CK) and SiO₂ NPs (15 kg hm⁻²). The results demonstrated that the application of SiO₂ NPs increased, by 33.3% and 23.3%, the yield of YLY957 and JLY534, respectively, compared with CK, which was primarily attributed to an increase in the number of grains per panicle and the grain-filling rate. Furthermore, the application of SiO₂ NPs resulted in a notable enhancement in the chlorophyll content, leaf area index, and dry matter accumulation, accompanied by a pronounced stimulation of root system growth and development. Additionally, the SiO₂ NPs also improved the antioxidant enzyme activities, i.e., superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activity and reduced the malondialdehyde content. The SiO₂ NPs treatment effectively improved the processing quality, appearance quality, and taste quality of the rice. Furthermore, the SiO₂ NPs resulted in improvements to the rapid viscosity analyzer (RVA) pasting profile, including an increase in peak viscosity and breakdown values and a reduction in setback viscosity. The application of SiO₂ NPs also resulted in a reduction in crystallinity and pasting temperature owing to a reduction in the proportion of B2 + B3 amylopectin chains. Overall, the application of silica nanoparticles improved the quality of rice yield under high-salt stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials on Plant Growth and Stress Adaptation)

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13 pages, 1632 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Lignin Nanoparticles Pave the Way for a Sustainable Nanocircular Economy? Biostimulant Effect of Nanoscaled Lignin in Tomato Plants

by Ciro Tolisano, Dario Priolo, Monica Brienza, Debora Puglia and Daniele Del Buono

Plants 2024, 13(13), 1839; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13131839 - 4 Jul 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1780

Abstract

Agriculture has a significant environmental impact and is simultaneously called to major challenges, such as responding to the need to develop more sustainable cropping systems with higher productivity. In this context, the present study aimed to obtain lignin nanoparticles (LNs) from pomace, a [...] Read more.

Agriculture has a significant environmental impact and is simultaneously called to major challenges, such as responding to the need to develop more sustainable cropping systems with higher productivity. In this context, the present study aimed to obtain lignin nanoparticles (LNs) from pomace, a waste product of the olive oil chain, to be used as a nanobiostimulant in tomato plants. The biostimulant effect of this biopolymer is known, but its reduction to nanometer size can emphasize this property. Tomato plants were subjected to different LN dosages (25, 50, and 100 mg L⁻¹) by foliar application, and inductive effects on photosynthetic machinery, aerial and root biomass production, and root morphology were observed. The treated plants showed increased efficiency in catching and using light, while they reduced the fraction dissipated as heat or potentially toxic to cells for the possibility of creating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Finally, this benefit was matched by increased pigment content and a stimulatory action on the content of nitrogen (NBI) and antioxidant substances such as flavonoids. In conclusion, the present study broadens the horizon of substances with biostimulant action by demonstrating the validity and efficacy of nanobiostimulants obtained from biological residues from the olive oil production chain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials on Plant Growth and Stress Adaptation)

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Review

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32 pages, 2459 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanomaterials in Agriculture: A Pathway to Enhanced Plant Growth and Abiotic Stress Resistance

by Wajid Zaman, Asma Ayaz and SeonJoo Park

Plants 2025, 14(5), 716; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050716 - 26 Feb 2025

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3616

Abstract

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative field in agriculture, offering innovative solutions to enhance plant growth and resilience against abiotic stresses. This review explores the diverse applications of nanomaterials in agriculture, focusing on their role in promoting plant development and improving tolerance to [...] Read more.

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative field in agriculture, offering innovative solutions to enhance plant growth and resilience against abiotic stresses. This review explores the diverse applications of nanomaterials in agriculture, focusing on their role in promoting plant development and improving tolerance to drought, salinity, heavy metals, and temperature fluctuations. The method classifies nanomaterials commonly employed in plant sciences and examines their unique physicochemical properties that facilitate interactions with plants. Key mechanisms of nanomaterial uptake, transport, and influence on plants at the cellular and molecular levels are outlined, emphasizing their effects on nutrient absorption, photosynthetic efficiency, and overall biomass production. The molecular basis of stress tolerance is examined, highlighting nanomaterial-induced regulation of reactive oxygen species, antioxidant activity, gene expression, and hormonal balance. Furthermore, this review addresses the environmental and health implications of nanomaterials, emphasizing sustainable and eco-friendly approaches to mitigate potential risks. The integration of nanotechnology with precision agriculture and smart technologies promises to revolutionize agricultural practices. This review provides valuable insights into the future directions of nanomaterial R&D, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials on Plant Growth and Stress Adaptation)

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15 pages, 1577 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of Nano-Fertilizers in Sustainable Agriculture: Boosting Crop Yields and Enhancing Quality

by Mcholomah Annalisa Kekeli, Quanlong Wang and Yukui Rui

Plants 2025, 14(4), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14040554 - 11 Feb 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3887

Abstract

With the rising need for sustainable agricultural practices, nano-fertilizers have emerged as an innovative alternative to traditional fertilizers. These advanced fertilizers enhance nutrient use efficiency, promote crop growth, and minimize environmental harm by enabling precise nutrient delivery. This review evaluates various nano-fertilizer application [...] Read more.

With the rising need for sustainable agricultural practices, nano-fertilizers have emerged as an innovative alternative to traditional fertilizers. These advanced fertilizers enhance nutrient use efficiency, promote crop growth, and minimize environmental harm by enabling precise nutrient delivery. This review evaluates various nano-fertilizer application techniques and their influence on plant growth, yield, and quality. Additionally, it explores their interactions with soil composition and microbial communities, emphasizing their role in enzymatic activity and nutrient cycling. While nano-fertilizers offer significant benefits, challenges such as proper dosage regulation, potential toxicity, and long-term ecological effects necessitate further research. This study highlights recent advancements in nano-fertilizer technology and underscores the importance of an integrated approach to optimize agricultural productivity while preserving soil health and environmental sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials on Plant Growth and Stress Adaptation)

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25 pages, 3427 KiB

Open AccessReview

Multifunctional Roles and Ecological Implications of Nano-Enabled Technologies in Oryza sativa Production Systems: A Comprehensive Review

by Wei Zhao, Ting Wang, He Dong, Wanru Zhao, Kai Song and Nina Zhu

Plants 2025, 14(4), 528; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14040528 - 9 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 828

Abstract

Micro–nanomaterials have garnered significant attention in rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation due to their unique physicochemical properties. This study reviews the multifunctional applications of micro–nanomaterials in enhancing rice resilience, promoting nutrient uptake, improving photosynthetic efficiency, and increasing the utilization rates of fertilizers [...] Read more.

Micro–nanomaterials have garnered significant attention in rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation due to their unique physicochemical properties. This study reviews the multifunctional applications of micro–nanomaterials in enhancing rice resilience, promoting nutrient uptake, improving photosynthetic efficiency, and increasing the utilization rates of fertilizers and pesticides. Using keyword and clustering analyses, this review identifies key research hotspots and emerging trends in the field, including heavy metal stress, nanoplastic pollution, and biochar applications. While early studies predominantly focused on the synthesis and characterization of these materials, recent research has shifted towards evaluating their comprehensive ecological impacts on rice production systems. Despite the promising potential of micro–nanomaterials in improving rice yield and quality while supporting sustainable agriculture, concerns about their long-term accumulation in ecosystems and potential toxicity remain unresolved. Future research should prioritize the development of cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly micro–nanomaterials and establish standardized frameworks for ecological risk assessments to facilitate their large-scale agricultural application. This study provides theoretical insights and practical references for advancing micro–nanotechnology in global food security and sustainable agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials on Plant Growth and Stress Adaptation)

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21 pages, 1646 KiB

Open AccessReview

Silver Nanoparticles Help Plants Grow, Alleviate Stresses, and Fight Against Pathogens

by Francisco Javier Alfosea-Simón, Lorenzo Burgos and Nuria Alburquerque

Plants 2025, 14(3), 428; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030428 - 1 Feb 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3074

Abstract

The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has gained importance in agriculture in recent years thanks to their unique characteristics, including their antimicrobial capacity and their ability to promote plant growth. Due to these attributes, AgNPs are considered a promising solution for the future [...] Read more.

The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has gained importance in agriculture in recent years thanks to their unique characteristics, including their antimicrobial capacity and their ability to promote plant growth. Due to these attributes, AgNPs are considered a promising solution for the future of agriculture, offering significant potential to address the challenges the sector confronts currently. However, it is important to adjust the application conditions, depending on the target and the crop used, to improve AgNP treatment efficiency. This review compiles recent advances in the use of AgNPs for crop production, both in and ex vitro. AgNPs promote growth and alleviate biotic and abiotic stresses through different ex vitro application methods. They are also efficiently used in vitro to improve plant culture and pathogen elimination. In addition, the safety and toxicity associated with their use are discussed. AgNPs are a novel tool with great potential for the agricultural sector, but it is still necessary to continue researching the mechanisms of AgNP action in order to optimize their application in each specific case. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials on Plant Growth and Stress Adaptation)

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30 pages, 1253 KiB

Open AccessReview

Uptake, Translocation, Toxicity, and Impact of Nanoparticles on Plant Physiological Processes

by Maduraimuthu Djanaguiraman, Veerappan Anbazhagan, Om Parkash Dhankher and P. V. Vara Prasad

Plants 2024, 13(22), 3137; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13223137 - 7 Nov 2024

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5132

Abstract

The application of nanotechnology in agriculture has increased rapidly. However, the fate and effects of various nanoparticles on the soil, plants, and humans are not fully understood. Reports indicate that nanoparticles exhibit positive and negative impacts on biota due to their size, surface [...] Read more.

The application of nanotechnology in agriculture has increased rapidly. However, the fate and effects of various nanoparticles on the soil, plants, and humans are not fully understood. Reports indicate that nanoparticles exhibit positive and negative impacts on biota due to their size, surface property, concentration within the system, and species or cell type under test. In plants, nanoparticles are translocated either by apoplast or symplast pathway or both. Also, it is not clear whether the nanoparticles entering the plant system remain as nanoparticles or are biotransformed into ionic forms or other organic compounds. Controversial results on the toxicity effects of nanomaterials on the plant system are available. In general, the nanomaterial toxicity was exerted by producing reactive oxygen species, leading to damage or denaturation of various biomolecules. The intensity of cyto- and geno-toxicity depends on the physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles. Based on the literature survey, it is observed that the effects of nanoparticles on the growth, photosynthesis, and primary and secondary metabolism of plants are both positive and negative; the response of these processes to the nanoparticle was associated with the type of nanoparticle, the concentration within the tissue, crop species, and stage of growth. Future studies should focus on addressing the key knowledge gaps in understanding the responses of plants to nanoparticles at all levels through global transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome assays and evaluating nanoparticles under field conditions at realistic exposure concentrations to determine the level of entry of nanoparticles into the food chain and assess the impact of nanoparticles on the ecosystem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials on Plant Growth and Stress Adaptation)

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