How helpful is nanotechnology in agriculture?
The application of nanotechnology
in agriculture aims, in particular, to reduce applications of plant protection
products, minimize nutrient losses in fertilization, and increase yields
through optimized nutrient management.
Nanotechnology
devices and tools, like Nano capsules,
nanoparticles, and even viral capsids, are examples of uses for the detection
and treatment of diseases, the enhancement of nutrients absorption by plants,
the delivery of active ingredients to specific sites and water treatment
processes.
The use of target-specific nanoparticles
can reduce the damage to non-target plant tissues and the number of chemicals
released into the environment. Nanotechnology derived devices are also explored
in the field of plant breeding and genetic transformation.
The contribution of nanoscience
research in agriculture is and probably will be in the following areas:
• Food safety and biosecurity
• Material science
• Food processing and product development
Nanosilver: Nanosilver is the most studied and utilized nanoparticle for
bio-system. It has long been known to have strong inhibitory and bactericidal
effects as well as a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities. Silver
nanoparticles, which have high surface area and a high fraction of surface
atoms, have high antimicrobial effect as compared to the bulk silver.
Nano
alumino-silicate: Leading chemical companies are now formulating efficient pesticides
at the nanoscale. One of such effort is the use of alumino-silicate nanotubes
with active ingredients. The advantage is that alumino-silicate nanotubes
sprayed on plant surfaces are easily picked up in insect hairs. Insects
actively groom and consume pesticide-filled nanotubes. They are biologically
more active and relatively more environmentally-safe pesticides.
Titanium dioxide
(TiO2) nanoparticles: Titanium
dioxide (TiO2) is a non-toxic white pigment widely used in the manufacture of
paints, study, ink, cosmetics, ceramics, leather, etc. and is a very strong
disinfectant as compared to chlorine and ozone. Since TiO2 is harmless, it is
approved for use in food products up to 1% of product final weight. TiO2
photocatalyst technique has great potential in various agricultural
applications, including plant protection since it does not form toxic and
dangerous compounds and possesses great pathogen disinfection efficiency.
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