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A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 39002

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Dr. Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam

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Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), 9-Gamaa St., 12619 Giza, Egypt
Interests: agri-nanotechnology; molecular biology; plant pathology
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Special Issue Information

Agri-nanotechnology provides significant potential to address global agricultural production/security, biodiversity, and global warming challenges. Fostering the development of biotechnological approaches, especially for crops in agriculture productivity and disease management, is shown by current trends of publications and patents. In the present issue, we strongly recommend the inclusion of biosynthesized nanoparticles from various sources, such as plants, agric-waste and microorganisms, as prerequisites for consequential and in-depth research. Different types of nanomaterials have provided huge practical applications in the agricultural sector including nanofertilizer, nanopesticide, nanoherbicide, nanosensor, and smart delivery systems for controlled agrochemical release. In addition, nano-tools are also used for plant breeding and for genetic modification purposes. A detailed analysis of the physicochemical soil characteristics of the agricultural fields in which nanoparticles are to be used will help to reduce their damage to plant and soil biota. Ultimately, and most critically, we strongly advocate the incorporation of nanotoxicity, legislation, and biosafety and risk assessment as the top priority to be taken into account when shaping regulatory policies to fix biosafety issues. From now on, comprehensive efforts need to be made to forward and develop futuristic work based on identified gaps in knowledge.

Dr. Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Sustainable and green synthesis nanomaterials
Nonotherapy of insects’ plant diseases
Nanodiagnostic tools in plant diseases
Nanofertilizer and nanopesticide production
Controlled release of agrochemicals
Pesticides degradations
Pesticides sensing
Transgenic plants
Ecosystem applications
Abiotic stress
Soil–plant system
Water management
Agric-wastewater recycling
Veterinary applications
Food processing, packaging, and safety
Pre or post-harvest treatment
Nanotoxicity, regulations, biosafety, etc.

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

5 pages, 197 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue: Agricultural Nanotechnology

by Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam

Plants 2024, 13(4), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13040489 - 8 Feb 2024

Viewed by 2237

Abstract

Agricultural nanotechnology has considerable promise for addressing global agricultural production/security, biodiversity, and global warming issues. Current trends in publications and patents demonstrate that biotechnology technologies, particularly for crops, are being developed to improve agricultural productivity and disease management. In the current issue, we strongly advocate for the use of biosynthesized nanoparticles from a variety of sources, including plants, agricultural waste, and microbes, as a prerequisite for significant and in-depth study. Nanomaterials offer a wide range of practical uses in agriculture, including nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, nanoherbicides, nanosensors, and smart delivery systems for controlled agrochemical release. Additionally, nano-tools are employed for plant breeding and genetic manipulation. A thorough examination of the physicochemical soil properties of the agricultural fields where nanoparticles will be used will aid in minimizing their impact on plant and soil biota. Finally, and most importantly, we strongly recommend the inclusion of nanotoxicity, legislation, biosafety, and risk assessment as the top priorities when developing regulatory policies to address biosafety concerns. Starting today, thorough efforts must be carried out to advance and develop futuristic work based on recognized knowledge shortages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Nanotechnology)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

22 pages, 4048 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potassium Spraying Preharvest and Nanocoating Postharvest Improve the Quality and Extend the Storage Period for Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) Fruits

by Hamada R. Beheiry, Mohamed S. Hasanin, Amr Abdelkhalek and Hamdy A. Z. Hussein

Plants 2023, 12(22), 3848; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12223848 - 14 Nov 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1448

Abstract

Citrus fruits are one of the most abundant crops globally in more than 140 countries throughout the world. Acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia swingle) is one of the citrus fruits which popularly has rich nutritional and therapeutic features. The storage period is the important factor that affects the economic and quality properties of this fruit. This study aims to demonstrate the enhancing effect of preharvest spraying with potassium, in addition to the postharvest dipping of fruits in some edible coatings, on the quality and storability of acid lime fruits. Preharvest spraying with organic and mineral forms of potassium, namely, potassium thiosulfate 1.75 g/L (S) and potassium tartrate 2 g/L (T), were carried out at three different times, in May, June, and July. On the other hand, postharvest treatments were carried out via dipping fruits in different types of biopolymers (carboxymethyl cellulose (E2) and gum arabic (E3)) and carboxymethyl cellulose/gum arabic composite (E4) as well as nanocoating formulation based on both biopolymers and doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) (E1), which were prepared via acid lime peel waste extract. Herein, the physiochemical and morphological characterizations confirmed that the nanocoating was prepared at the nanoscale and doped with green synthesis ZnONPs, with recorded sizes of around 80 and 20 nm, respectively. Preharvest spraying with potassium tartrate enhanced fruit traits (Spraying with potassium tartrate at pre-harvest and nanocoating dipping at post-harvest (TE1), spraying with potassium tartrate at pre-harvest and carboxy methyl cellulose dipping at post-harvest (TE2), spraying with potassium tartrate at pre-harvest and gum arabic dipping at post-harvest (TE3) and spraying with potassium tartrate at pre-harvest and carboxymethyl cellulose/gum arabic composite dipping at post-harvest (TE4)), followed by potassium thiosulfate (spraying with potassium thiosulfate at pre-harvest and nanocoating dipping at post-harvest (SE1), spraying with potassium thiosulfate at pre-harvest and carboxy methyl cellulose dipping at post-harvest (SE2), spraying with potassium thiosulfate at pre-harvest and gum arabic dipping at post-harvest (SE3) and spraying with potassium thiosulfate at pre-harvest and carboxymethyl cellulose/gum arabic dipping at post-harvest (SE4)), compared to control. For postharvest treatments, E1 improved fruit quality, followed by E2, E4, and E3, respectively. The integration between pre- and postharvest treatments showed a clear superiority of TE2, followed by TE4, SE1, and SE2, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Nanotechnology)

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18 pages, 2607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ocimum basilicum-Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Induces Innate Immune Responses against Cucumber Mosaic Virus in Squash

by Ahmed Abdelkhalek, Hamada El-Gendi, Fatimah O. Alotibi, Abdulaziz A. Al-Askar, Toufic Elbeaino, Said I. Behiry, Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam and Hassan Moawad

Plants 2022, 11(20), 2707; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11202707 - 13 Oct 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2937

Abstract

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) causes a significant threat to crop output sustainability and human nutrition worldwide, since it is one of the most prevalent plant viruses infecting most kinds of plants. Nowadays, different types of nanomaterials are applied as a control agent against different phytopathogens. However, their effects against viral infections are still limited. In the current study, the antiviral activities of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) mediated by aqueous extract of Ocimum basilicum against cucumber mosaic virus in squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) were investigated. The prepared Ag-NPs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and zeta potential distribution techniques. DLS, SEM, and TEM analyses showed that the Ag-NPs were spherical, with sizes ranging from 26.3 to 83 nm with an average particle size of about 32.6 nm. FTIR identified different functional groups responsible for the capping and stability of Ag-NPs. The zeta potential was reported as being −11.1 mV. Under greenhouse conditions, foliar sprays of Ag-NPs (100 µg/mL) promoted growth, delayed disease symptom development, and significantly reduced CMV accumulation levels of treated plants compared to non-treated plants. Treatment with Ag-NPs 24 h before or after CMV infection reduced CMV accumulation levels by 92% and 86%, respectively. There was also a significant increase in total soluble carbohydrates, free radical scavenging activity, antioxidant enzymes (PPO, SOD, and POX), as well as total phenolic and flavonoid content. Furthermore, systemic resistance was induced by significantly increasing the expression levels of pathogenesis-related genes (PR-1 and PR-5) and polyphenolic pathway genes (HCT and CHI). These findings suggest that Ag-NPs produced by O. basilicum could be used as an elicitor agent and as a control agent in the induction and management of plant viral infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Nanotechnology)

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17 pages, 3074 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seed Priming with ZnO and Fe₃O₄ Nanoparticles Alleviate the Lead Toxicity in Basella alba L. through Reduced Lead Uptake and Regulation of ROS

by Nakul Gupta, Prabhakar Mohan Singh, Vidya Sagar, Alok Pandya, Manimurugan Chinnappa, Rajesh Kumar and Anant Bahadur

Plants 2022, 11(17), 2227; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11172227 - 28 Aug 2022

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 3006

Abstract

The increased lead (Pb) content in the environment has an impact on all living beings, including plant growth and quality. The present study aims to investigate the protective roles of zinc (Zn)- and iron (Fe)- nanoparticles (NPs) in alleviating stress symptoms caused by lead (Pb) exposure in Basella alba seedlings. For this purpose, 15 different treatment combinations of seed priming with two NPs at 0 and 200 mg L⁻¹, and five Pb levels (0, 4, 8, 15, 20 mM) were chosen. Pb stress (20 mM) was found to reduce seed germination by 72.8% and seedling growth, particularly root length, by 92% when compared to the control. Under different Pb concentrations, seed priming with ZnNPs (200 mg L⁻¹) and FeNPs (200 mg L⁻¹) increased seed germination by 34.7% and 54.9%, respectively, and root length by 152.9% and 252.9%, respectively. In 20 mM Pb stress, NPs primed seedling showed decrease in Pb content by 33.7% with ZnNPs and 32.6% with FeNPs. Increased Pb stress resulted in increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation (H₂O₂) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) compared to non-Pb stressed seedlings. However, increased antioxidants in the NPs treatments such as SOD, CAT, POD and proline content, scavenged these ROS. Considering all the parameters under study, priming alleviated Pb stress in the following order: FeNPs > ZnNPs > hydropriming > control. To summarise, seed priming with Zn- and Fe-NPs has the potential to alleviate Pb toxicity via reduced Pb uptake, ROS generation and lipid peroxidation as well as increased proline content and activation of antioxidant enzymatic system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Nanotechnology)

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11 pages, 847 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selenium Nanoparticles (Se-NPs) Alleviates Salinity Damages and Improves Phytochemical Characteristics of Pineapple Mint (Mentha suaveolens Ehrh.)

by Fatemeh Kiumarzi, Mohammad Reza Morshedloo, Seyed Morteza Zahedi, Hasan Mumivand, Farhad Behtash, Christophe Hano, Jen-Tsung Chen and Jose M. Lorenzo

Plants 2022, 11(10), 1384; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11101384 - 23 May 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2751

Abstract

The present study examined the effects of foliar spray of selenium nanoparticles (0, 10 and 20 mg/L) on the yield, phytochemicals and essential oil content and composition of pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens Ehrh.) under salinity stress (0, 30, 60 and 90 mM NaCl). Obtained results demonstrated that severe salinity stress reduced the fresh weight (FW) and plant height (PH) by 16.40% and 19.10%, respectively compared with normal growth condition. On the other hands, under sever salinity stress relative water content (RWC) and chlorophyll index were reduced by 18.05% and 3.50%, respectively. Interestingly, selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs; 10 mg/L) application improved the pineapple mint growth. Based on GC-FID and GC-MS analysis, 19 compounds were identified in pineapple mint essential oil. Foliar application of Se-NPs and salinity did not change the essential oil content of pineapple mint, however, the essential oil compounds were significantly affected by salinity and Se-NPs- applications. Foliar application of Se-NPs- had a significant effect on piperitenone oxide, limonene, jasmone, viridiflorol and β-myrsene under different salinity levels. The highest percentage of piperitenone oxide (79.4%) as the major essential oil component was recorded in the no salinity treatment by applying 10 mg/L of nanoparticle. Interestingly, application of 10 mg L⁻¹ Se-NPs- under 60 mM NaCl increased the piperitenone oxide content by 9.1% compared with non-sprayed plants. Finally, the obtained results demonstrated that foliar application of Se-NPs (10 mg L⁻¹) can improve the pineapple mint growth and secondary metabolites profile under saline conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Nanotechnology)

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21 pages, 4116 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chitosan Nanoparticles Inactivate Alfalfa Mosaic Virus Replication and Boost Innate Immunity in Nicotiana glutinosa Plants

by Ahmed Abdelkhalek, Sameer H. Qari, Mohamed Abd Al-Raheem Abu-Saied, Abdallah Mohamed Khalil, Hosny A. Younes, Yasser Nehela and Said I. Behiry

Plants 2021, 10(12), 2701; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122701 - 8 Dec 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 4373

Abstract

Plant viral infection is one of the most severe issues in food security globally, resulting in considerable crop production losses. Chitosan is a well-known biocontrol agent against a variety of plant infections. However, research on combatting viral infections is still in its early stages. The current study investigated the antiviral activities (protective, curative, and inactivation) of the prepared chitosan/dextran nanoparticles (CDNPs, 100 µg mL⁻¹) on Nicotiana glutinosa plants. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and dynamic light scattering analysis revealed that the synthesized CDNPs had a uniform, regular sphere shapes ranging from 20 to 160 nm in diameter, with an average diameter of 91.68 nm. The inactivation treatment was the most effective treatment, which resulted in a 100% reduction in the alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV, Acc# OK413670) accumulation level. On the other hand, the foliar application of CDNPs decreased disease severity and significantly reduced viral accumulation levels by 70.43% and 61.65% in protective and curative treatments, respectively, under greenhouse conditions. Additionally, the induction of systemic acquired resistance, increasing total carbohydrates and total phenolic contents, as well as triggering the transcriptional levels of peroxidase, pathogen-related protein-1, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase were observed. In light of the results, we propose that the potential application of CDNPs could be an eco-friendly approach to enhance yield and a more effective therapeutic elicitor for disease management in plants upon induction of defense systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Nanotechnology)

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12 pages, 3408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Polianthes tuberosa L. Floral Extract

by Mousa A. Alghuthaymi, Chandrasekaran Rajkuberan, Thiyagaraj Santhiya, Ondrej Krejcar, Kamil Kuča, Rajiv Periakaruppan and Seetharaman Prabukumar

Plants 2021, 10(11), 2370; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112370 - 3 Nov 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3726

Abstract

The developments of green-based metallic nanoparticles (gold) are gaining tremendous interest, having potential applications in health care and diagnosis. Therefore, in the present study, Polianthes tuberosa flower filtered extract was used as a reducing and stabilizing agent to synthesize gold nanoparticles (PtubAuNPs). The PtubAuNPs were extensively characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The antibacterial activity of PtubAuNPs was determined by the agar well diffusion method; the PtubAuNPs performed extreme antagonistic activity against the tested pathogens. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the PtubAuNPs was evaluated in MCF 7 cells by MTT assay. The PtubAuNPs induced toxicity in MCF 7 cells with the least concentration of 100 µg/mL in a dose-dependent method by inducing apoptosis. Overall, the study manifested that PtubAuNPs are a potent nanomaterial that can be employed as an antimicrobial and anticancer agent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Nanotechnology)

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10 pages, 2547 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Improved Development during In Vitro Multiplication of Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) in a Semi-Automated Bioreactor

by Monserrat Sorcia-Morales, Fernando Carlos Gómez-Merino, Lino Sánchez-Segura, José Luis Spinoso-Castillo and Jericó Jabín Bello-Bello

Plants 2021, 10(10), 2015; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10102015 - 26 Sep 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3062

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes play an important role in plant biotechnology due to their effects on the growth and differentiation of cells, tissues, organs, and whole plants. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) during in vitro multiplication of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) using a temporary immersion system. Morphological characterization of MWCNTs was carried out under a transmission electron microscope. Different concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200 mg L⁻¹) of MWCNTs were added to Murashige and Skoog liquid culture medium in the multiplication stage. At 30 d of culture, number of shoots per explant, shoot length, number of leaves per shoot, total chlorophyll, dry matter percentage, carbon percentage, and macro- and micronutrient content were evaluated. Results showed an increase in the development of sugarcane shoots at concentrations of 100 and 200 mg L⁻¹ MWCNT. Total chlorophyll content increased at concentrations of 50 and 100 mg L⁻¹ MWCNT, whereas macro- and micronutrient content was variable at the different MWCNT concentrations. Results suggest a hormetic effect, characterized by stimulation at low concentrations. In conclusion, the use of low concentrations of MWCNTs had positive effects on development, total chlorophyll, carbon percentage, and macro- and micronutrient (N, Ca, S, Fe, Cu, Zn and Na) contents during in vitro multiplication of sugarcane and may have a potential use in other species of agricultural interest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Nanotechnology)

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17 pages, 11683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tracking of Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticle Effects on Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Plant Growth, Pigments, Mineral Content and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Colonization

by Reda E. Abdelhameed, Nagwa I. Abu-Elsaad, Arafat Abdel Hamed Abdel Latef and Rabab A. Metwally

Plants 2021, 10(3), 583; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10030583 - 19 Mar 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4182

Abstract

Important gaps in knowledge remain regarding the potential of nanoparticles (NPs) for plants, particularly the existence of helpful microorganisms, for instance, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi present in the soil. Hence, more profound studies are required to distinguish the impact of NPs on plant growth inoculated with AM fungi and their role in NP uptake to develop smart nanotechnology implementations in crop improvement. Zinc ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄) NPs are prepared via the citrate technique and defined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) as well as transmission electron microscopy for several physical properties. The analysis of the XRD pattern confirmed the creation of a nanocrystalline structure with a crystallite size equal to 25.4 nm. The effects of ZnFe₂O₄ NP on AM fungi, growth and pigment content as well as nutrient uptake of pea (Pisum sativum) plants were assessed. ZnFe₂O₄ NP application caused a slight decrease in root colonization. However, its application showed an augmentation of 74.36% and 91.89% in AM pea plant shoots and roots’ fresh weights, respectively, compared to the control. Moreover, the synthesized ZnFe₂O₄ NP uptake by plant roots and their contents were enhanced by AM fungi. These findings suggest the safe use of ZnFe₂O₄ NPs in nano-agricultural applications for plant development with AM fungi. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Nanotechnology)

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18 pages, 14213 KiB

Open AccessArticle

UV-Accelerated Photocatalytic Degradation of Pesticide over Magnetite and Cobalt Ferrite Decorated Graphene Oxide Composite

by Asma Tabasum, Mousa Alghuthaymi, Umair Yaqub Qazi, Imran Shahid, Qamar Abbas, Rahat Javaid, Nimra Nadeem and Muhammad Zahid

Plants 2021, 10(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10010006 - 23 Dec 2020

Cited by 57 | Viewed by 4887

Abstract

Pesticides are one of the main organic pollutants as they are highly toxic and extensively used worldwide. The reclamation of wastewater containing pesticides is of utmost importance. For this purpose, GO-doped metal ferrites (GO-Fe₃O₄ and GO-CoFe₂O₄) were prepared and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic techniques. Photocatalytic potentials of catalysts were investigated against acetamiprid’s degradation. A detailed review of the parametric study revealed that efficiency of overall Fenton’s process relies on the combined effects of contributing factors, i.e., pH, initial oxidant concentration, catalyst dose, contact time, and acetamiprid load. ~97 and ~90% degradation of the acetamiprid was achieved by GO-CoFe₂O₄ and GO-Fe₃O₄, respectively during the first hour under UV radiations at optimized reaction conditions. At optimized conditions (i.e., pH:3, [H₂O₂]: 14.5 mM (for Fe₃O₄, GO-Fe₃O_4, and GO-CoFe₂O₄) and 21.75 mM (for CoFe₂O₄), catalysts: 100 mgL⁻¹, time: 60min) the catalysts exhibited excellent performance, with high degradation rate, magnetic power, easy recovery at the end, and efficient reusability (up to 5 cycles without any considerable loss in catalytic activity). A high magnetic character offers its easy separation from aqueous systems using an external magnet. Moreover, the combined effects of experimental variables were assessed simultaneously and justified using response surface methodology (RSM). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Nanotechnology)

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Review

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16 pages, 3400 KiB

Open AccessReview

Engineered Metal Oxide Nanoparticles as Fungicides for Plant Disease Control

by Aida R. Cruz-Luna, Alfonso Vásquez-López, Hugo Rojas-Chávez, Manuel A. Valdés-Madrigal, Heriberto Cruz-Martínez and Dora I. Medina

Plants 2023, 12(13), 2461; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12132461 - 27 Jun 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2934

Abstract

Metal oxide nanoparticles are considered to be good alternatives as fungicides for plant disease control. To date, numerous metal oxide nanoparticles have been produced and evaluated as promising antifungal agents. Consequently, a detailed and critical review on the use of mono-, bi-, and tri-metal oxide nanoparticles for controlling phytopathogenic fungi is presented. Among the studied metal oxide nanoparticles, mono-metal oxide nanoparticles—particularly ZnO nanoparticles, followed by CuO nanoparticles —are the most investigated for controlling phytopathogenic fungi. Limited studies have investigated the use of bi- and tri-metal oxide nanoparticles for controlling phytopathogenic fungi. Therefore, more studies on these nanoparticles are required. Most of the evaluations have been carried out under in vitro conditions. Thus, it is necessary to develop more detailed studies under in vivo conditions. Interestingly, biological synthesis of nanoparticles has been established as a good alternative to produce metal oxide nanoparticles for controlling phytopathogenic fungi. Although there have been great advances in the use of metal oxide nanoparticles as novel antifungal agents for sustainable agriculture, there are still areas that require further improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Nanotechnology)

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