NANO-ENABLED APPROACHES FOR MODULATING PLANT GROWTH, METABOLISM AND STRESS RESILIENCE: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Abstract

‘Nano’ a Greek word that means ‘dwarf’ The word ‘nano’ is used to refer a billionth part of one meter. It’s generally used for materials of size between 1 to 100 nm. They are referred as nanoparticles or the nanomaterials. It behaves as one unit with respect to its transport and other properties. It can exhibit specialized physical and chemical properties. Nano is a molecules or molecular clusters into structures to create materials, devices with new or vastly different properties. This platform entails the growth of methodologies to a variety of low-cost nanotech applications for improved germination of seeds, development and acclimatization to environments. Several researchers have found that various nanomaterials, like TiO2, SiO2, ZnO, nano-ceria, Fe2O3, S, Au, MgO, Ag NPs, chitosan, graphene oxides etc., reduce the negative impacts of abiotic stresses on agricultural plant species like barley, sugar beet, potato, maize, Arabidopsis thaliana, alfalfa and flax, etc. Nanotechnology with its miniature dimension has revolutionized agriculture and food industries by providing novel farming techniques, disease and deficiency detecting tools, modified tools to enhance nutrient absorption and bioavailability, sustained and controlled release of pesticides, herbicide, fertilizers, etc. Key advancements highlighted include nano-priming to enhance seed germination, controlled-release nano-fertilizers, and precision pesticide delivery systems. Critical challenges such as potential environmental toxicity, bioaccumulation, and the absence of standardized regulatory frameworks are also evaluated. Ultimately, the balanced integration of nanotechnology promises to revolutionize sustainable farming practices and significantly optimize resource-use efficiency.