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.

AREAS OF NANOSCIENCE RESEARCH AND APPLICATION IN AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SCIENCE

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

Some of the examples of Nanoscience/Nanotechnology used in Agri and Allied segment is mentioned undesigned:

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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