The potential of nanomaterials associated with plant growth-promoting bacteria in agriculture

Nano-enabled strategies in sustainable agriculture for enhanced crop productivity: A comprehensive review

The global food demand is increasing with the world population, burdening agriculture with unprecedented challenges. Agricultural techniques that ushered in the green revolution are now unsustainable, owing to population growth and climate change. The agri-tech revolution that promises a robust, efficient, and sustainable agricultural system while enhancing food security is expected to be greatly aided by advancements in nanotechnology, which have been reviewed here. Nanofertilizers and nanoinsecticides can benefit agricultural practices economically without major environment impact. Owing to their unique size and features, nano-agrochemicals provide enhanced delivery of active ingredients and increased bioavailability, and posing lesser environment hazard. Nano-agrochemicals should be improved for increased efficiency in the future. In this context, nanocomposites have drawn considerable interest with regard to food security. Nanocomposites can overcome the drawbacks of chemical fertilizers and improve plant output and nutrient bioavailability. Similarly, metallic and polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) can potentially improve sustainable agriculture via better plant development, increased nutrient uptake, and soil healing. Hence, they can be employed as nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, and nanoherbicides. Nanotechnology is also being used to enhance crop production via genetic modification of traits for efficient use of soil nutrients and higher yields. Furthermore, NPs can help plants overcome salinity stress-induced oxidative damage. We also review the fate of NPs in the soil system, plants, animals, and humans, highlight the shortcomings of previous research, and offer suggestions for toxicity studies that would aid regulatory bodies and benefit the agrochemical sector, consequently promoting efficient and sustainable use of nano-agrochemicals.

Synergistic interactions of nanoparticles and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria enhancing soil-plant systems: a multigenerational perspective

Sustainable food security and safety are major concerns on a global scale, especially in developed nations. Adverse agroclimatic conditions affect the largest agricultural-producing areas, which reduces the production of crops. Achieving sustainable food safety is challenging because of several factors, such as soil flooding/waterlogging, ultraviolet (UV) rays, acidic/sodic soil, hazardous ions, low and high temperatures, and nutritional imbalances. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are widely employed in in-vitro conditions because they are widely recognized as a more environmentally and sustainably friendly approach to increasing crop yield in contaminated and fertile soil. Conversely, the use of nanoparticles (NPs) as an amendment in the soil has recently been proposed as an economical way to enhance the texture of the soil and improving agricultural yields. Nowadays, various research experiments have combined or individually applied with the PGPR and NPs for balancing soil elements and crop yield in response to control and adverse situations, with the expectation that both additives might perform well together. According to several research findings, interactive applications significantly increase sustainable crop yields more than PGPR or NPs alone. The present review summarized the functional and mechanistic basis of the interactive role of PGPR and NPs. However, this article focused on the potential of the research direction to realize the possible interaction of PGPR and NPs at a large scale in the upcoming years.

Can nanotechnology improve the application of bioherbicides?

Bioherbicides are composed of microorganisms or natural compounds and are used for weed control; however, they have specific weaknesses and constraints that hinder their development and success under field conditions. Nanotechnology can help to overcome these limitations by providing a good starting point for the design of specific formulations and carriers that minimize the deficiencies of natural compounds and microorganisms, such as low solubility, short shelf life or a loss of viability. In addition, nanoformulations can help to improve the efficacy of bioherbicides by increasing their effectiveness and bioavailability, reducing the amount required for a treatment, and enhancing their ability to target specific weeds while preserving the crop. However, it is important to choose the right materials and nanodevices depending on specific needs and considering several factors inherent to nanomaterials such as production cost, safety or possible toxic effects. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Unveiling the Potential of Bioinoculants and Nanoparticles in Sustainable Agriculture for Enhanced Plant Growth and Food Security

The increasing public concern over the negative impacts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on food security and sustainability has led to exploring innovative methods that offer both environmental and agricultural benefits. One such innovative approach is using plant-growth-promoting bioinoculants that involve bacteria, fungi, and algae. These living microorganisms are applied to soil, seeds, or plant surfaces and can enhance plant development by increasing nutrient availability and defense against plant pathogens. However, the application of biofertilizers in the field faced many challenges and required conjunction with innovative delivering approaches. Nanotechnology has gained significant attention in recent years due to its numerous applications in various fields, such as medicine, drug development, catalysis, energy, and materials. Nanoparticles with small sizes and large surface areas (1-100 nm) have numerous potential functions. In sustainable agriculture, the development of nanochemicals has shown promise as agents for plant growth, fertilizers, and pesticides. The use of nanomaterials is being considered as a solution to control plant pests, including insects, fungi, and weeds. In the food industry, nanoparticles are used as antimicrobial agents in food packaging, with silver nanomaterials being particularly interesting. However, many nanoparticles (Ag, Fe, Cu, Si, Al, Zn, ZnO, TiO2, CeO2, Al2O3, and carbon nanotubes) have been reported to negatively affect plant growth. This review focuses on the effects of nanoparticles on beneficial plant bacteria and their ability to promote plant growth. Implementing novel sustainable strategies in agriculture, biofertilizers, and nanoparticles could be a promising solution to achieve sustainable food production while reducing the negative environmental impacts.

Unleashing the potential of nanoparticles on seed treatment and enhancement for sustainable farming

The foremost challenge in farming is the storage of seeds after harvest and maintaining seed quality during storage. In agriculture, studies showed positive impacts of nanotechnology on plant development, seed storage, endurance under various types of stress, detection of seed damages, and seed quality. Seed's response varies with different types of nanoparticles depending on its physical and biochemical properties and plant species. Herein, we aim to cover the impact of nanoparticles on seed coating, dormancy, germination, seedling, nutrition, plant growth, stress conditions protection, and storage. Although the seed treatment by nanopriming has been shown to improve seed germination, seedling development, stress tolerance, and seedling growth, their full potential was not realized at the field level. Sustainable nano-agrochemicals and technology could provide good seed quality with less environmental toxicity. The present review critically discusses eco-friendly strategies that can be employed for the nanomaterial seed treatment and seed enhancement process to increase seedling vigor under different conditions. Also, an integrated approach involving four innovative concepts, namely green co-priming, nano-recycling of agricultural wastes, nano-pairing, and customized nanocontainer storage, has been proposed to acclimatize nanotechnology in farming.

Fertilization of Microbial Composts: A Technology for Improving Stress Resilience in Plants

Microbial compost plays a crucial role in improving soil health, soil fertility, and plant biomass. These biofertilizers, based on microorganisms, offer numerous benefits such as enhanced nutrient acquisition (N, P, and K), production of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and control of pathogens through induced systematic resistance. Additionally, they promote the production of phytohormones, siderophore, vitamins, protective enzymes, and antibiotics, further contributing to soil sustainability and optimal agricultural productivity. The escalating generation of organic waste from farm operations poses significant threats to the environment and soil fertility. Simultaneously, the excessive utilization of chemical fertilizers to achieve high crop yields results in detrimental impacts on soil structure and fertility. To address these challenges, a sustainable agriculture system that ensures enhanced soil fertility and minimal ecological impact is imperative. Microbial composts, developed by incorporating characterized plant-growth-promoting bacteria or fungal strains into compost derived from agricultural waste, offer a promising solution. These biofertilizers, with selected microbial strains capable of thriving in compost, offer an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative for agricultural practices. In this review article, we explore the potential of microbial composts as a viable strategy for improving plant growth and environmental safety. By harnessing the benefits of microorganisms in compost, we can pave the way for sustainable agriculture and foster a healthier relationship between soil, plants, and the environment.

Synergistic impact of nanomaterials and plant probiotics in agriculture: A tale of two-way strategy for long-term sustainability

Modern agriculture is primarily focused on the massive production of cereals and other food-based crops in a sustainable manner in order to fulfill the food demands of an ever-increasing global population. However, intensive agricultural practices, rampant use of agrochemicals, and other environmental factors result in soil fertility degradation, environmental pollution, disruption of soil biodiversity, pest resistance, and a decline in crop yields. Thus, experts are shifting their focus to other eco-friendly and safer methods of fertilization in order to ensure agricultural sustainability. Indeed, the importance of plant growth-promoting microorganisms, also determined as "plant probiotics (PPs)," has gained widespread recognition, and their usage as biofertilizers is being actively promoted as a means of mitigating the harmful effects of agrochemicals. As bio-elicitors, PPs promote plant growth and colonize soil or plant tissues when administered in soil, seeds, or plant surface and are used as an alternative means to avoid heavy use of agrochemicals. In the past few years, the use of nanotechnology has also brought a revolution in agriculture due to the application of various nanomaterials (NMs) or nano-based fertilizers to increase crop productivity. Given the beneficial properties of PPs and NMs, these two can be used in tandem to maximize benefits. However, the use of combinations of NMs and PPs, or their synergistic use, is in its infancy but has exhibited better crop-modulating effects in terms of improvement in crop productivity, mitigation of environmental stress (drought, salinity, etc.), restoration of soil fertility, and strengthening of the bioeconomy. In addition, a proper assessment of nanomaterials is necessary before their application, and a safer dose of NMs should be applicable without showing any toxic impact on the environment and soil microbial communities. The combo of NMs and PPs can also be encapsulated within a suitable carrier, and this method aids in the controlled and targeted delivery of entrapped components and also increases the shelf life of PPs. However, this review highlights the functional annotation of the combined impact of NMs and PPs on sustainable agricultural production in an eco-friendly manner.

Elicitation of Bacillus cereus-Amazcala (B.c-A) with SiO2 Nanoparticles Improves Its Role as a Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) in Chili Pepper Plants

Agriculture needs to decrease the use of agrochemicals due to their high toxicity and adopt new strategies to achieve sustainable food production. Therefore, nanoparticles (NPs) and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) have been proposed as viable strategies to obtain better crop yields with less environmental impact. Here, we describe the effect of silica nanoparticles (SiO₂-NPs) on survival, antioxidant enzymatic activity, phosphate solubilization capacity, and gibberellin production of Bacillus cereus-Amazcala (B.c-A). Moreover, the effect of the co-application of SiO₂-NPs and B.c-A on seed germination, physiological characteristics, and antioxidant enzymatic activity of chili pepper plants was investigated under greenhouse conditions. The results indicated that SiO₂-NPs at 100 ppm enhanced the role of B.c-A as PGPB by increasing its phosphate solubilization capacity and the production of GA7. Moreover, B.c-A catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were increased with SiO₂-NPs 100 ppm treatment, indicating that SiO₂-NPs act as a eustressor, inducing defense-related responses. The co-application of SiO₂-NPs 100 ppm and B.c-A improved chili pepper growth. There was an increase in seed germination percentage, plant height, number of leaves, and number and yield of fruits. There was also an increase in CAT and PAL activities in chili pepper plants, indicating that bacteria-NP treatment induces plant immunity.

Phytonanotechnology applications in modern agriculture

With the rapidly changing global climate, the agricultural systems are confronted with more unpredictable and harsh environmental conditions than before which lead to compromised food production. Thus, to ensure safer and sustainable crop production, the use of advanced nanotechnological approaches in plants (phytonanotechnology) is of great significance. In this review, we summarize recent advances in phytonanotechnology in agricultural systems that can assist to meet ever-growing demands of food sustainability. The application of phytonanotechnology can change traditional agricultural systems, allowing the target-specific delivery of biomolecules (such as nucleotides and proteins) and cater the organized release of agrochemicals (such as pesticides and fertilizers). An amended comprehension of the communications between crops and nanoparticles (NPs) can improve the production of crops by enhancing tolerance towards environmental stresses and optimizing the utilization of nutrients. Besides, approaches like nanoliposomes, nanoemulsions, edible coatings, and other kinds of NPs offer numerous selections in the postharvest preservation of crops for minimizing food spoilage and thus establishing phtonanotechnology as a sustainable tool to architect modern agricultural practices.