Engineered Nanoparticles In Agriculture

Nanobiotechnology in agriculture is a new knowledge area that offers novel possibilities to achieve high productivity levels at manageable costs during the production and merchandising of crops. This book shows us how we can use the cutting-edge knowledge about agriculture, nanotechnology, and biotechnology to increase the agricultural productivity and shape a sustainable future in order to increase the social welfare in rural areas and preserve the environmental health. Specialists from several countries will provide their feedback on a range of relevant topics such as environment-friendly use of nanofertilisers, nanodevices, nano-food packaging, nanocoating and nanocarriers and their relationship with the modern agriculture.

This book presents a collection of cross-disciplinary research, with contributions addressing all key features of the plant/microbe/ENP nexus in agro-ecosystems. The uptake, transport and transformation of nanoparticles in plants have attracted more and more attention in the past several years. Especially, the impact of Engineered Nanoparticles (ENPs) on bioprocesses; low-, medium- and high-level dose responses in the microbial community of soil; and long-, medium- and short-term exposure responses, particularly microbial nitrogen transformations, are just a few of the aspects involved. Since ENPs are used in many industries, including cosmetics, agriculture, medicine, food technology and waste management, their transport through biogeochemical cycles is an important focus of many studies today. Specifically, ENP–microbe interaction has been analysed with regard to disease treatment for plants; it plays a vital role in disease inhibition by releasing metal ions that act through many pathways – e.g. reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, DNA transformation and disruption of the cell cycle – to stop cell growth in the pathogen. Due to these properties, ENPs are also used as slow release or delayed release pesticides and fungicides, and as carrier systems for growth-promoting hormones. Despite their multiple uses in various industries, the negative effects of ENPs are still a major concern for the scientific community and consumers alike. For example, their transport to various food chains has been reported to have adverse effects. This raises a degree of doubt concerning a rapidly growing scientific field with major applications in many industries. From a sustainable development perspective and particularly to ensure food security in light of the uncertainty accompanying climate change, it is imperative to address this divergence by focusing on the plant/microbe/ENP nexus.

This book is the second volume on this topic within the series. With unique properties, nanomaterials are rapidly finding novel applications in many fields such as food, medicine, agriculture and pollution. Such applications include to treat cancer, nanosensors to detect food contamination, nanomaterials for food packaging, nanoencapsulation to preserve nutraceuticals, and nanofertilisers for advanced agriculture. After an introductory chapter on property rights of nanomaterials, readers will discover the applications of nanotechnology in food, health, environment, ecotoxicology and agriculture.

Agriculture plays a vital role in our lives, providing food and economic benefits. Today, it faces severe challenges, due to decreasing arable land, depleting natural resources, changing climate pattern, and yet increasing demand for food. The recent introduction of nanotechnology in agriculture offers sustainable and precise solutions for developing smart agriculture practices and addressing the challenges faced by the ag-sector. Therefore, it is essential to understand this new science from a multidimensional perspective. Experts in the field have contributed in putting together this volume, covering topics like plant growth, protection and management using engineering nanoscale materials. The chapters in the book have been peer-reviewed and selected for publication based on independent reviewers’ reports. The book covers very specific, in-depth, and fundamental and applied aspects of the latest ag-nanotechnology research. It is hoped that each chapter of the book will be very useful for researchers, policy makers, and other audiences from interdisciplinary scientific subjects.

Providing an overview of nanotechnology in the context of agriculture and food science, this monograph covers topics such as nano-applications in teh agri-food sector, as well as the social and ethical implications. Following a review of the basics, the book goes on to take an in-depth look at processing and engineering, encapsulation and delivery, packaging, crop protection and disease. It highlights the technical, regulatory, and safety aspects of nanotechnology in food science and agriculture, while also considering the environmental impact. A valuable and accessible guide for professionals, novices, and students alike.

This book provides in-depth reviews of the effects of nanoparticles on the soil environment, their interactions with plants and also their potential applications as nanofertilizers and pesticides. It offers insights into the current trends and future prospects of nanotechnology, including the benefits and risks and the impact on agriculture and soil ecosystems. Individual chapters explore topics such as nanoparticle biosynthesis, engineered nanomaterials, the use of nanoclays for remediation of polluted sites, nanomaterials in water desalination, their effect on seed germination, plant growth, and nutrient transformations in soil, as well as the use of earthworms as bioremediating agents for nanoparticles. It is a valuable resource for researchers in academia and industry working in the field of agriculture, crop protection, plant sciences, applied microbiology, soil biology and environmental sciences.