Summary
This narrative review examines the application of nanotechnology in agriculture as a potential substitute for conventional fertilisers and pesticides. It synthesises current knowledge on the microbial synthesis of nanoparticles, their modes of action in plant and microbial systems, and their effects on nutrient cycling, stress resilience, and disease suppression. The authors note that whilst antimicrobial activity, oxidative stress induction, and growth promotion mechanisms are well-documented, the complete elucidation of nanoparticle mechanisms in agri-chemical applications remains incomplete.
UK applicability
The review's findings on nano-fertiliser development and disease management may inform UK precision agriculture research, particularly in addressing sustainability targets for reduced synthetic input use. However, regulatory pathways for nano-enabled agri-chemicals in the UK and EU remain restrictive, limiting near-term practical application to research contexts.
Key measures
Nanoparticle synthesis methods; mechanisms of antimicrobial activity; ROS-induced toxicity; genetic damage; plant growth promotion; nutrient enhancement; abiotic stress alleviation; plant disease management
Outcomes reported
The review synthesised evidence on microbial synthesis of nanoparticles, their mechanisms of action in plants and microbial cells, and effects on nutrient availability, abiotic stress tolerance, and disease management. It examined how nanoparticle properties (size, shape, dosage) influence agronomic and biological responses.
Topic tags
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