Nanotechnology for climate change mitigation: Enhancing plant resilience under stress environments

• Published in: Journal of plant nutrition and soil science Vol. 187; no. 5; pp. 604 - 620
• Main Authors: Shoukat, Abbas, Pitann, Britta, Zafar, Muhammad Mubashar, Farooq, Muhammad Awais, Haroon, Muhammad, Nawaz, Allah, Wahab, Syed Wasiq, Saqib, Zulfiqar Ahmad
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-10-2024
• Subjects: agricultural science; Agriculture; Agrochemicals; Climate change; Climate change mitigation; Crop production; Efficiency; Encapsulation; Environmental protection; Fertilizers; Food; Food packaging; Germination; Nanoparticles; Nanotechnology; Nutrient release; Nutrition; Physicochemical properties; Physiological effects; Phytoremediation; Plant growth; plant improvement; Plant nutrition; Plant protection; Pollutant removal; Pollutants; Pollution control; Resource efficiency; Sensors; Shelf life; smart agriculture; stress; Sustainability; Sustainable agriculture
• ISSN: 1436-8730; 1522-2624
• DOI: 10.1002/jpln.202300295

Background
Nanotechnology, utilizing nanoparticles (NPs) with unique physicochemical properties, has significant potential in enhancing sustainable agriculture through innovations in plant nutrition, growth, and protection.
Aims
This review aims to assess how nanotechnology, particularly NPs, contributes to sustainable agriculture by improving plant nutrition and growth, enhancing stress resistance, and offering solutions for phytoremediation and agricultural efficiency.
Methods
We examine studies showcasing the application of NPs in agriculture, focusing on their effects on plant growth, nutrient delivery, stress mitigation, pollutant removal, and the enhancement of food shelf life through nano‐encapsulated fertilizers and nano‐sensors.
Results
NPs have demonstrated promising results in slow‐release fertilizers for targeted nutrient delivery, improved germination and physiological activity under stress, and enhanced efficiency in phytoremediation by aiding the removal of pollutants. Nano‐sensors in food packaging detect deterioration and extend food shelf life, whereas nano‐encapsulation of agrochemicals offers environment‐friendly pest and nutrient management solutions.
Conclusions
Nanotechnology presents a forward‐looking approach to sustainable agriculture by enhancing crop productivity, resource use efficiency, and environmental protection. Continued research is essential to unlock the full potential of NPs in agriculture, emphasizing safe and efficient application methods to mitigate abiotic and biotic stresses and promote sustainability.