“ROLE OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURE”

Shahid Raza*, Saima Hanif and Arifa Tahir

ABSTRACT

An emergent technology involving different interdisciplinary field of science is the ‗Nanotechnology‘. Its wide applications used in various fields like medicine, pharmaceuticals, electronics, biotechnology and agriculture. The use of nanoparticles (NPs) in the field of nanotechnology have impact on plant growth, cell structure, and physiological and biochemical functions due to their unique physicochemical properties like high surface area and reactivity, its pore size and particle morphology. Nanoparticles pose potential risks to the organisms when released into the environment. Their adverse effects have been investigated in recent years like it is believed that NPs reduce plant biomass, water and chlorophyll content, inhibit root growth, photosynthesis, and transpiration. It is also investigated that, nanoparticles containing nano-pesticide fertilizers, herbicides or genes can serve as ―magic bullets‖, which target specific cellular organelles in plant to release their content. Therefore, the present review highlights the key role of nanoparticles in plants. Even now, the share of publications on nanotechnology in agriculture remains diminutive. However, the accelerating hop reflects a growing recognition of the numerous potential agricultural applications of nanotechnology. It is evident from compiled information that depending upon the mode of application, size, and concentrations of NPs, its effect varies from plant to plant. The outcomes also suggest that plants as an important element of the ecosystems need to be included when assessing the overall positive and negative impact of nanoparticles in the environment because few studies also shown the positive impact of NPs on plant growth and development.

Keywords: An emergent plant growth and development.