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Effects of Nanoparticles on Plant Growth and Development Under Biotic...
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Effects of Nanoparticles on Plant Growth and Development Under Biotic and Abiotic Stress: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 July 2026 | Viewed by 5899

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Gregorio Cadenas-Pliego

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centro de Investigación en Química Aplicada (CIQA), Blvd. Ing. Enrique Reyna H. No. 140, Saltillo 25294, Coahuila, México
Interests: synthesis of metallic nanoparticles; synthesis of nanoparticle–polymer composites; surface modification of nanoparticles; electrically conductive polymer composites; thermally conductive polymer composites; antimicrobial polymers; photocatalyst–polymer composites; polymer–carbon composites; polymer composites for water treatment; sustainable agriculture; nanotechnology; nano-agrochemicals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departamento de Horticultura, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Saltillo 25315, Mexico
Interests: plant biostimulation; plant nutrition; stress tolerance induction; seed priming using nanometric or bulk species of essential and beneficial nutrients; biopolymers; UV radiation; relationships between plant biostimulation, plant nutrition, tolerance to stress, and the nutritional quality and biofortification of vegetables and fruits
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Antonio Juárez Maldonado

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departamento de Botánica, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Saltillo 25315, Mexico
Interests: plant physiology; plant ecophysiology; biotic and abiotic stress; crop production; biostimulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The growth in the world population is the main factor that governs global environmental change, since it causes a need to occupy spaces destined for agriculture, increases the consumption of food, water, and energy, and generates the strong emission of greenhouse gases, causing drastic climate changes. Environmental changes limit agricultural production and reduce the yield and quality of products due to biotic and abiotic environmental stress. In addition, various environmental stress conditions, such as drought, heat, salinity, cold, or pathogenic infections, are detrimental to plant growth and development.

Different technologies are used to reduce the effects of biotic and abiotic stresses on agricultural crops. Recently, nanotechnology has attracted much attention and has been used to combat stress in plants and reduce its negative effects on agricultural production, avoiding large economic losses. Various nanoparticles and nanomaterials have been used, and positive and negative biological effects have been found.

Nanotechnology is an important tool for sustainable crop production, reducing nutrient loss, suppressing disease by pathogens, and thus improving yields. The idea of using nanotechnology for the sustainable production of safe food is explored, in this Special Issue, from a number of perspectives, including those related to the toxicity of food and the environment.

This Special Issue includes articles related to the use of nanoparticles and nanomaterials to combat biotic and abiotic stress in crop production.

Prof. Dr. Gregorio Cadenas-Pliego
Prof. Dr. Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza
Prof. Dr. Antonio Juárez Maldonado
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • abiotic stress
  • biotic stress
  • nanoparticles
  • agricultural crops
  • drought
  • salinity
  • nanomaterials
  • environmental stresses
  • climate change

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 2514 KB  
Article
Effect of Foliarly Applied Orange Carbon Dots on Grain Yield and Quality in Maize Hybrids and Inbred Lines
by Ivana Milenković, Zoran Čamdžija, Slađana Žilić, Milan Borišev, Slađana Z. Spasić and Ksenija Radotić
Plants 2026, 15(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15010008 - 19 Dec 2025
Viewed by 717
Abstract
Maize is a key staple cereal, with its cultivation improved through genetics, denser planting, and greater fertilizer use. However, little is known about the effects of nanomaterials on maize’s grain quality. This study evaluated the effect of the foliar application of orange carbon [...] Read more.
Maize is a key staple cereal, with its cultivation improved through genetics, denser planting, and greater fertilizer use. However, little is known about the effects of nanomaterials on maize’s grain quality. This study evaluated the effect of the foliar application of orange carbon dots (o-CDs) on maize’s growth, grain yield, and quality under typical field conditions. Two ZP maize hybrids and their inbred lines were tested. The results showed a gradual increase in grain yield for the hybrids, particularly ZP 4567, which responded significantly to a 5 mg/L treatment. Increased starch content was observed in both the hybrid ZP 4567 and the inbred line L56 L026 following treatment with o-CDs at concentrations of 1 mg/L and 5 mg/L. The significant increase in oil content was observed in inbred line L56 L026. Photosynthetic parameters and pigments were elevated in both hybrids after treatments, although the antioxidative capacity remained unchanged. The findings suggest that o-CDs positively influence grain yield and quality by enhancing photosynthesis and increasing the accumulation of key biochemical compounds. This study provides novel insights into the application of carbon nanoparticles in sustainable crop production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nanoparticles on Plant Growth and Development Under Biotic and Abiotic Stress: 2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 4037 KB  
Article
Comparative Study on the Effects of Silicon Nanoparticles and Cellulose Nanocrystals on Drought Tolerance in Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.)
by Meng Li, Sile Hu, Xulong Bai, Jie Ren, Kanliang Tian, Huili Zhang, Zhilong Zhang and Vanquy Nguyen
Plants 2025, 14(10), 1461; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14101461 - 14 May 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1712
Abstract
Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is a herbaceous species that is commonly used for ecological slope restoration in China. However, water scarcity often constrains its growth due to the unique site conditions of steep slopes and climate-induced drought stress. This study aims [...] Read more.
Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is a herbaceous species that is commonly used for ecological slope restoration in China. However, water scarcity often constrains its growth due to the unique site conditions of steep slopes and climate-induced drought stress. This study aims to compare the ameliorative effects of silicon nanoparticles (Si NPs) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) on drought stress in tall fescue and to elucidate their underlying mechanisms of action. The results indicated that drought stress impaired photosynthesis, restricted nutrient absorption, and increased oxidative stress, ultimately reducing biomass. However, Si NPs and CNCs enhanced drought tolerance and promoted biomass accumulation by improving photosynthesis, osmotic regulation, and antioxidant defense mechanisms. Specifically, Si NP treatment increased biomass by 48.71% compared to drought-stressed control plants, while CNCs resulted in a 33.41% increase. Transcriptome sequencing further revealed that both nanomaterials enhanced drought tolerance by upregulating genes associated with photosynthesis and antioxidant defense. Additionally, Si NPs improved drought tolerance by stimulating root growth, enhancing nutrient uptake, and improving leaf structure. In contrast, CNCs play a distinct role by regulating the expression of genes related to cell wall synthesis and metabolism. These findings highlight the crucial roles of these two nanomaterials in plant stress protection and offer a sustainable strategy for the maintenance and management of slope vegetation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nanoparticles on Plant Growth and Development Under Biotic and Abiotic Stress: 2nd Edition)
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Review

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52 pages, 2574 KB  
Review
Nanoparticle-Induced Cross-Tolerance: A Review of Mechanisms for Concurrent Biotic and Abiotic Stress Mitigation in Crops
by Mukhtar Iderawumi Abdulraheem, Iram Naz, Marissa Pérez-Alvarez, Jiandong Hu, Gregorio Cadenas-Pliego and Olaniyi Amos Fawole
Plants 2026, 15(9), 1334; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15091334 - 27 Apr 2026
Viewed by 620
Abstract
Plants in agricultural systems rarely face single stressors; instead, they encounter concurrent biotic (pathogen, pests) and abiotic (drought, salinity, heavy metals) stresses that causes severely reduce crop yields and endanger food security. The traditional methods of breeding, genetic engineering, and agrochemicals tend to [...] Read more.
Plants in agricultural systems rarely face single stressors; instead, they encounter concurrent biotic (pathogen, pests) and abiotic (drought, salinity, heavy metals) stresses that causes severely reduce crop yields and endanger food security. The traditional methods of breeding, genetic engineering, and agrochemicals tend to target individual stresses and still do not suffice in the complex field conditions. Compared to these approaches, nanotechnology offers distinct advantages: nanoparticles (NPs) can be applied as foliar sprays or seed treatments without lengthy breeding cycles or regulatory hurdles associated with genetically modified organisms. However, nanotechnology is not inherently “better” but rather complementary to crop engineering; each approach has specific strengths. Breeding and genetic engineering provide heritable, long-term solutions, while nanotechnology offers immediate, season-specific, and reversible interventions. Cross-tolerance, the phenomenon whereby exposure to one stress enhances tolerance to another, offers a promising alternative. This review critically examines how NPs act as stress-priming agents that induce cross-tolerance by activating overlapping defense networks, including antioxidant systems (SOD, CAT, APX), phytohormonal crosstalk (ABA, SA, JA), osmolyte homeostasis, and stress-responsive gene expression. We synthesize current evidence on NP uptake, translocation, and cellular interactions, and evaluate their dual role in directly suppressing pathogens while simultaneously enhancing plant immune responses and physiological resilience. However, efficacy is highly dose-dependent: low, subtoxic doses prime defense through hermetic ROS signaling, whereas supraoptimal doses cause phytotoxicity. The current challenges in nano-mediated stress alleviation include: (i) a persistent laboratory-to-field translation gap, with field outcomes averaging only 60–70% of greenhouse efficacy; (ii) dose-dependent phytotoxicity; (iii) poor reproducibility across studies; (iv) scalability and formulation stability issues; and (v) insufficient understanding of long-term environmental fate, including soil accumulation, non-target organism effects, and food chain safety. Future research should consider field-validated formulations (e.g., SiNPs, ZnONPs, Fe3O4NPs) across major staple crops); integrating nanotechnology with precision agriculture through nanosensors, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence for site-specific, dose-optimized applications;developing smart, biodegradable nanoparticles with stimuli-responsive release; and establishing harmonized regulatory frameworks for nano-agrochemical approval. When deployed responsibly, nanoparticle-induced cross-tolerance represents a sustainable approach to improve crop resistance against multifactorial stress, with significant implications for climate-resilient agriculture and global food security. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nanoparticles on Plant Growth and Development Under Biotic and Abiotic Stress: 2nd Edition)
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36 pages, 6350 KB  
Review
Nanoparticle Applications in Plant Biotechnology: A Comprehensive Review
by Viktor Husak, Milos Faltus, Alois Bilavcik, Stanislav Narozhnyi and Olena Bobrova
Plants 2026, 15(3), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15030364 - 24 Jan 2026
Viewed by 2149
Abstract
Nanotechnology is becoming a key tool in plant biotechnology, enabling nanoparticles (NPs) to deliver biomolecules with high precision and to enhance plant and tissue resilience under stress. However, the literature remains fragmented across genetic delivery, in vitro regeneration, stress mitigation, and germplasm cryopreservation, [...] Read more.
Nanotechnology is becoming a key tool in plant biotechnology, enabling nanoparticles (NPs) to deliver biomolecules with high precision and to enhance plant and tissue resilience under stress. However, the literature remains fragmented across genetic delivery, in vitro regeneration, stress mitigation, and germplasm cryopreservation, and it still lacks standardized, comparable protocols and robust long-term safety assessments—particularly for NP use in cryogenic workflows. This review critically integrates recent advances in NP-enabled (i) genetic engineering and transformation, (ii) tissue culture and regeneration, (iii) nanofertilization and abiotic stress mitigation, and (iv) cryopreservation of plant germplasm. Across these areas, the most consistent findings indicate that NPs can facilitate targeted transport of DNA, RNA, proteins, and regulatory complexes; modulate oxidative and osmotic stress responses; and improve regeneration performance in recalcitrant species. In cryopreservation, selected nanomaterials act as multifunctional cryoprotective adjuvants by suppressing oxidative injury, stabilizing cellular membranes, and improving post-thaw viability and regrowth of sensitive tissues. At the same time, NP outcomes are highly context-dependent, with efficacy governed by dose, size, and surface chemistry; formulation; plant genotype; and interactions with culture media or vitrification solutions. Evidence of potential phytotoxicity, persistence, and biosafety risks highlights the need for harmonized reporting, mechanistic studies on NP–cell interfaces, and evaluation of environmental fate. Expected outcomes of this review include a consolidated framework linking NP properties to biological endpoints, identification of design principles for application-specific NP selection, and a set of research priorities to accelerate the safe and reproducible translation of nanotechnology into sustainable plant biotechnology and long-term germplasm preservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nanoparticles on Plant Growth and Development Under Biotic and Abiotic Stress: 2nd Edition)
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