Drosophila as a model for assessing nanopesticide toxicity

Perfluorooctanoic acid induces transgenerational modifications in reproduction, metabolism, locomotor activity, and sleep behavior in Drosophila melanogaster and deleterious effects in human cancer cells

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has been widely documented to affect various aspects of health, including development, metabolism and neuronal function in a variety of organisms. Despite numerous reports detailing these effects, a comprehensive mechanistic model remains elusive, especially with regard to the long-term effects of PFOA, as it bioaccumulates in food chains with a long half-life. In this study, we evaluated the impact of PFOA on several critical physiological states of Drosophila melanogaster. Our findings indicate that PFOA exposure significantly decreases reproductive capacity and induces alterations in starvation resistance and feeding behavior in flies. Interestingly, PFOA exposure also caused changes in locomotor activity and sleep patterns compared with flies receiving a standard diet. Notably, compared with controls, the F2 generation showed increased locomotion and shorter sleep duration during the dark phase, even without direct exposure to PFOA, indicating possible transgenerational effects. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that PFOA also disrupts fatty acid metabolism and alters the expression of immune-responsive genes in Drosophila. In the U-2 OS human osteosarcoma cell line, we examined the impact of PFOA on circadian rhythm regulatory proteins and discovered that, compared with controls, BMAL1 levels increased at concentrations from 10 nM to 10 μM. In summary, this research highlights the influence of PFOA on diverse biological processes, including reproduction, feeding behavior, starvation resistance, locomotion, and sleep activity in Drosophila. It also highlights the ability of PFOA to alter BMAL1 expression patterns in human osteosarcoma cells with deleterious effects.

Ozone induced multigenerational glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in Drosophila

Ozone (O3), a persistent pollutant, poses a significant health threat. However, research on its multigenerational toxicity remains limited. Leveraging the Drosophila model with its short lifespan and advanced genetic tools, we explored the effects of O3 exposure across three generations of fruit flies. The findings revealed that O3 disrupted motility, body weight, stress resistance, and oxidative stress in three generations of flies, with varying effects observed among them. Transcriptome analysis highlighted the disruption of glucose metabolism-related pathways, encompassing gluconeogenesis/glycolysis, galactose metabolism, and carbon metabolism. Hub genes were identified, and RT-qPCR results indicated that O3 decreased their transcription levels. Comparative analysis of their human orthologs was conducted using Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) and DisGeNET databases. These genes are linked to various metabolic diseases, including diabetes, hypoglycemia, and obesity. The trehalose content was reduced in F0 generation flies but increased in F1-F2 generations after O3 exposure. While the trehalase and glucose levels were decreased across F0-F2 generations. TAG synthesis-related genes were significantly upregulated in F0 generation flies but downregulated in F1-F2 generations. The expression patterns of lipolysis-related genes varied among the three generations of flies. Food intake was increased in F0 generation flies but decreased in F1-F2 generations. Moreover, TAG content was significantly elevated in F0 generation flies by O3 exposure, while it was reduced in F2 generation flies. These differential effects of O3 across three generations of flies suggest a metabolic reprogramming aimed at mitigating the damage caused by O3 to flies. The study affirms the viability of employing the Drosophila model to investigate the mechanisms underlying O3-induced glucose and lipid metabolism disorders while emphasizing the importance of studying the long-term health effects of O3 exposure. Moreover, this research highlights the Drosophila model as a viable tool for investigating the multigenerational effects of pollutants, particularly atmospheric pollutants.

State of nano pesticides application in smallholder agriculture production systems: Human and environmental exposure risk perspectives

Due to the intensive and widespread use of agrochemicals, especially pesticides, agriculture in the majority of the world is in dire need of practical improvements to fulfil the rising need for food while at the same time decreasing its associated health and environmental impact. Traditional methods, such as integrated pest control, have been used extensively and globally for decades to lessen the effects of intensive and extensive pesticide use, but they are insufficient. Safer pesticide alternatives, including biopesticides, to replace conventional pesticides have also been developed, but these efforts have not yet reached the necessary degree of operationalization and commercialization. In light of the challenges and trade-offs involved in using conventional pesticides, nanotechnology has sped up the development of nanopesticides, that are poisonous solely to specific pests and pathogens. The effectiveness of nano-agrochemicals has often demonstrated a median gain compared to traditional products of 20-30 %. The use of nanopesticides may enable more precise pest targeting, reduced pesticide dosage and decreased spray frequencies, allowing for a 10-fold reduction in pesticides dosage without sacrificing effectiveness. However, there are environmental concerns and potential for human exposure associated with the use of nanopesticides. This state-of-the-art review examines the most recent advances in science and the application of nanotechnology as a unique tool to address the serious negative effects of conventional pesticides. In addition to the health and environmental implications, policy and regulatory framework, and field application of nanopesticides in smallholder production systems are all part of the scientific review that is presented in this review.

Pyriproxyfen enhances germline stem cell proliferation and reduces reproduction in Drosophila by up-regulating juvenile hormone signaling

BACKGROUND

Pyriproxyfen is an insect growth regulator (IGR) that is effective against various types of insect pests. However, the molecular mechanism underlying pyriproxyfen effects on insect reproduction remains unclear. Thus, in this study, we attempted to uncover the mechanisms underlying the impact of pyriproxyfen on the reproductive system of the model organism Drosophila melanogaster.

RESULTS

A significant decrease in Drosophila reproduction was observed after pyriproxyfen treatment. The juvenile hormone (JH) titer was significantly increased (120.4%) in the ovary samples of pyriproxyfen-treated flies. Likewise, the concentrations of key enzymes and the expression of key genes related to the JH signaling pathway were also increased in the pyriproxyfen-treated group compared with the control group. Furthermore, pyriproxyfen treatment significantly increased (15.6%) the number of germline stem cells (GSCs) and significantly decreased (17%) the number of cystoblasts (CBs). However, no significant differences were observed in the number of somatic cells. We performed RNA interference (RNAi) on five key genes (Met, Tai, gce, ftz-f1, and hairy) related to the JH signaling pathway in germ cells using the germ cell-specific Gal4 driver. Interestingly, RNAi of the selected genes significantly decreased the number of both GSCs and CBs in pyriproxyfen-treated transgenic flies. These results further validate that pyriproxyfen enhances GSC proliferation by up-regulating JH signaling.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that pyriproxyfen significantly decreases reproduction by affecting germ cells in female adult ovaries. The effect of pyriproxyfen on germ cell proliferation and differentiation is mediated by an increase in JH signaling. This study has significant implications for optimizing pest control strategies, developing sustainable agriculture practices, and understanding the mechanism of insecticide action. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Drosophila melanogaster as a tractable eco-environmental model to unravel the toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics

Micro- and nanoplastics have emerged as pervasive environmental pollutants with potential ecotoxicological impacts on various organisms, including the model organismDrosophila melanogaster. Here we comprehensively synthesize current research on the adverse effects of micro- and nanoplastics onDrosophila, highlighting key findings and identifying gaps in the literature. Micro- and nanoplastics can lead to physical damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, genotoxicity, epigenetic changes, apoptosis, and necrosis inDrosophila. Exposure to plastic debris affects nutrient absorption, energy metabolism, and reproductive health, often in a sex-specific manner. For instance, male flies are generally more susceptible to the toxic effects of polystyrene microplastics than female flies, showing greater mortality and metabolic disruptions. Furthermore, the combined exposure of plastics with heavy metals can exacerbate toxic effects, leading to enhanced oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and gut damage. While antagonistic effects have been identified particularly with silver compounds, where polystyrene microplastics reduce the bioavailability and toxicity of silver. The adverse effects of plastic particles onDrosophiladepend on size, with smaller particles penetrating deeper into tissues and eliciting stronger toxic responses. The chemical composition of the plastics and the presence of additives also play crucial roles in determining toxicity levels. Chronic exposure to low levels can be as harmful as acute high-dose exposure, highlighting the need for comprehensive, long-term studies to fully understand the ecological and biological impacts of plastic pollution.

Long-term toxic effects of iron-based metal-organic framework nanopesticides on earthworm-soil microorganism interactions in the soil environment

With the widespread use of controlled-release nanopesticides in field conditions, the interactions between these nanopesticides and biological systems are complex and highly uncertain. The toxicity of iron-based metal organic frameworks (CF@MIL-101-SL) loaded with chlorfenapyr (CF) to terrestrial invertebrate earthworms in filter paper and soil environments and the potential mechanisms of interactions in the nanopesticide-earthworm-cornfield soil microorganism system were investigated for the first time. The results showed that CF@MIL-101-SL was more poisonous to earthworms in the contact filter paper test than suspension concentrate of CF (CF-SC), and conversely, CF@MIL-101-SL was less poisonous to earthworms in the soil test. In the soil environment, the CF@MIL-101-SL treatment reduced oxidative stress and the inhibition of detoxifying enzymes, and reduced tissue and cellular substructural damage in earthworms compared to the CF-SC treatment. Long-term treatment with CF@MIL-101-SL altered the composition and abundance of microbial communities with degradative functions in the earthworm intestine and soil and affected the soil nitrogen cycle by modulating the composition and abundance of nitrifying and denitrifying bacterial communities in the earthworm intestine and soil, confirming that soil microorganisms play an important role in reducing the toxicity of CF@MIL-101-SL to earthworms. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the ecological risks of nanopesticides to soil organisms.

Safe nanomaterials: from their use, application, and disposal to regulations

Nanomaterials are structures with a wide range of applications in the medical, pharmaceutical, food, textile, and electronic industries, reaching more customers worldwide. As a relatively new technological field, the information about the associated risk of nanomaterials in environmental and human health must be addressed and consolidated to develop accurate legislations, frameworks, and guidelines to standardise their use in any field. This review aims to display and context the global applications of nanomaterials, their final disposal, as well as the perspective of the current efforts formulated by various countries (including Mexico and Latin American countries), international official departments and organisations directed to implement regulations on nanomaterials, nanotechnology, and nanoscience matters. In addition, the compiled information includes the tools, initiatives, and strategies to develop regulatory frameworks, such as life cycle assessments, risk assessments, technical tools, and biological models to evaluate their effects on living organisms. Finally, the authors point out the importance of implementing global regulations to promote nanotechnological research according to a precautionary principle focused on an environmental and health protection approach to ensure the use and application of nanotechnologies safely, and responsibly.

In vivo evaluation of the neurogenotoxic effects of exposure to validamycin A in neuroblasts of Drosophila melanogaster larval brain

Agriculture commonly utilizes crop protection products to tackle infestations from fungi, parasites, insects, and weeds. Validamycin A, an inhibitor of trehalase, possesses antibiotic and antifungal attributes. Epidemiological evidence has led to concerns regarding a potential link between pesticide usage and neurodegenerative diseases. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has been recognized as a reliable model for genetic research due to its significant genetic similarities with mammals. Here, we propose to use D. melanogaster as an effective in vivo model system to investigate the genotoxic risks associated with exposure to validamycin A. In this study, we performed a neurotoxic evaluation of validamycin A in D. melanogaster larvae. Several endpoints were evaluated, including toxicity, intracellular oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species), intestinal damage, larval behavior (crawling behavior, light/dark sensitivity assay, and temperature sensitivity assay), locomotor (climbing) behavior, and neurogenotoxic effects (impaired DNA via Comet assay, enhanced by Endo III and formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase [FPG]). The results showed that exposure to validamycin A, especially at higher doses (1 and 2.5 mM), induced DNA impairment in neuroblasts as observed by Comet assay. Both larvae and adults exhibited behavioral changes and produced reactive oxygen species. Most importantly, this research represents a pioneering effort to report neurogenotoxicity data specifically in Drosophila larval neuroblasts, thus underscoring the importance of this species as a testing model in exploring the biological impacts of validamycin A. The in vivo findings from the experiments are a valuable and novel addition to the existing validamycin A neurogenotoxicity database.

DEHP and DINP accelerate aging effects in male and female of Drosophila melanogaster depend on AKT/FOXO pathway

Phthalates are commonly used as plasticizers. Numerous studies have focused on endocrine, reproductive, and developmental toxicity of phthalates exposure to male organisms. In recent years, some studies looking into the aging effects of phthalates exposure in D. melanogaster showed discrepant results. In this study, we compared the different concentrations of Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) for acute and chronic treatment for different gender D. melanogaster and explored the potential mechanism of DEHP and DINP exposure. The results showed that acute exposure to DEHP or DINP at a high dose significantly decreased the lifespan of female and male D. melanogaster under HFD stress. Chronic exposure significantly decreased the lifespan of flies in all exposure groups except for the low-dose DINP exposure female group. Among them, in the normal feeding group, we found that female flies seemed to be more resistant to DEHP or DINP exposure. Meanwhile, the locomotion ability and fertility of flies exhibited a dose-dependent decline. Furthermore, phthalates did not significantly reduce the lifespan or health status of akt and foxo mutant flies in the mutant fly assays, and real-time quantitative-PCR (q-PCR) data revealed akt and foxo significant change with 10 μM DEHP or DINP treatment. This suggests that akt and foxo played a role in the process by which DEHP and DINP caused age-related declines in D. melanogaster.

Application of nanopesticides and its toxicity evaluation through Drosophila model

Insects feed on plants and cause the growth of plants to be restricted. Moreover, the application of traditional pesticides causes harmful effects on non-target organisms and poses serious threats to the environment. The use of conventional pesticides has negative impacts on creatures that are not the intended targets. It also presents significant risks to the surrounding ecosystem. Insects that are exposed to these chemicals eventually develop resistance to them. This review could benefit researcher for future development of nanopesticides research. This is because a holistic approach has been taken to describe the multidimensional properties of nanopesticides, health and environmental concerns and its possible harmful effects on non-target organisms and physiochemical entities. The assessment of effects of the nanopesticides is also being discussed through the drosophotoxicology. The future outlooks have been suggested to take a critical analysis before commercialization or formulation of the nanopesticides.

Advanced nanopesticides: Advantage and action mechanisms

The use of various chemical substances to control pests, diseases, and weeds in the field is a necessary part of the agricultural development process in every country. While the application of pesticides can improve the quality and yield of crops, plant resistance and the harm caused by pesticide residues to the environment and humans have led to the search for greener and safer pesticide formulations to improve the current situation. In recent years, nanopesticides (NPts) have shown great potential in agriculture due to their high efficiency, low toxicity, targeting, resistance, and controlled slow release demonstrated in the experimental stage. Commonly used approaches to prepare NPts include the use of nanoscale metal materials as active ingredients (AI) (ingredients that can play a role in insecticide, sterilization and weeding) or the construction of carriers based on commonly used pesticides to make them stable in nano-sized form. This paper systematically summarizes the advantages and effects of NPts over conventional pesticides, analyzes the formation and functions of NPts in terms of structure, AI, and additives, and describes the mechanism of action of NPts. Despite the feasibility of NPts use, there is not enough comprehensive research on NPts, which must be supplemented by more experiments in terms of biotoxicology and ecological effects to provide strong support for NPts application.

Progress and promise of alternative animal and non-animal methods in biomedical research

Cell culture and invertebrate animal models reflect a significant evolution in scientific research by providing reliable evidence on the physiopathology of diseases, screening for new drugs, and toxicological tests while reducing the need for mammals. In this review, we discuss the progress and promise of alternative animal and non-animal methods in biomedical research, with a special focus on drug toxicity.

Perspectives on the Drosophila melanogaster Model for Advances in Toxicological Science

The use of Drosophila melanogaster for studies of toxicology has grown considerably in the last decade. The Drosophila model has long been appreciated as a versatile and powerful model for developmental biology and genetics because of its ease of handling, short life cycle, low cost of maintenance, molecular genetic accessibility, and availability of a wide range of publicly available strains and data resources. These features, together with recent unique developments in genomics and metabolomics, make the fly model especially relevant and timely for the development of new approach methodologies and movements toward precision toxicology. Here, we offer a perspective on how flies can be leveraged to identify risk factors relevant to environmental exposures and human health. First, we review and discuss fundamental toxicologic principles for experimental design with Drosophila. Next, we describe quantitative and systems genetics approaches to resolve the genetic architecture and candidate pathways controlling susceptibility to toxicants. Finally, we summarize the current state and future promise of the emerging field of Drosophila metabolomics for elaborating toxic mechanisms. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Pomegranate Resembling Design of Starch Sago Beads Encapsulates Nanopyriproxyfen, Enabling Slow Release and Improved Bioactivity

Environmental contamination by intense insecticide usage is consistently proposed as a significant contributor to major hazards; further, disturbing non-target populations provoke a grave concern worldwide as they play essential roles in ecosystems. Pyriproxyfen is one of the most widely used pesticides; however, due to its probable toxicity, its global application in large amounts may result in water concentrations that exceed regulatory pollution thresholds. Herein, we describe nanopyriproxyfen-loaded sago beads (PPX-NCB) designed for the slow release of pyriproxyfen (PPX). Our design is inspired by the composite structure of sago beads, composed of several small beads resembling a pomegranate. The microscopic beads accumulate chitosan-PPX-nanomicelles cross-linked with tripolyphosphate via physical absorption, offering adequate room for water absorption and subsequent PPX release. PPX-NCB had distinct effects on the immature egg and larva of Anopheles stephensi, limiting embryonic development in the eggs while enhancing bioactivity. It affects the integument of larvae and alters the surface hydrocarbons of eggs and larvae. In addition, PPX-NCB demonstrates an improved safety profile in non-target Daphnia magna.

Protective effects of resveratrol against genotoxicity induced by nano and bulk hydroxyapatite in Drosophila melanogaster

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a naturally occurring calcium phosphate mineral predominantly used for its biocompatibility in a number of areas such as bone grafting, prosthesis coating in dentistry, and targeted drug delivery. Since the nano form of HAp (nHAp) has gained popularity attributed to a re-mineralizing effect in dental repair procedures, concerns have been raised over safety and biocompatibility of these nanoparticles (NP). This study, therefore, aimed to (1) investigate mechanisms of potential genotoxicity and enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) initiated by bulk and nano forms of HAp and (2) test in vivo whether resveratrol, a type of natural phenol, might mitigate the extent of potential DNA damage. The size of nHAp was determined to be 192.13 ± 9.91 nm after dispersion using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Drosophila melanogaster was employed as a model organism to determine the genotoxic potential and adverse effects of HAp by use of (comet assay), mutagenic and recombinogenic activity (wing spot test), and ROS-mediated damage. Drosophila wing-spot tests demonstrated that exposure to nontoxic bulk and nHAp concentrations (1, 2.5, 5 or 10 mM) produced no significant recombination effects or mutagenicity. However, bulk and nHAp at certain doses (2.5, 5 or 10 mM) induced genotoxicity in hemocytes and enhanced ROS production. Resveratrol was found to ameliorate the genotoxic effects induced by bulk HAp and nHAp in comet assay. Data demonstrate that treatment with nano and bulk Hap-induced DNA damage and increased ROS generation D. melanogaster which was alleviated by treatment with resveratrol.

Hazard Assessment of the Effects of Acute and Chronic Exposure to Permethrin, Copper Hydroxide, Acephate, and Validamycin Nanopesticides on the Physiology of Drosophila: Novel Insights into the Cellular Internalization and Biological Effects

New insights into the interactions between nanopesticides and edible plants are required in order to elucidate their impacts on human health and agriculture. Nanopesticides include formulations consisting of organic/inorganic nanoparticles. Drosophila melanogaster has become a powerful model in genetic research thanks to its genetic similarity to mammals. This project mainly aimed to generate new evidence for the toxic/genotoxic properties of different nanopesticides (a nanoemulsion (permethrin nanopesticides, 20 ± 5 nm), an inorganic nanoparticle as an active ingredient (copper(II) hydroxide [Cu(OH)₂] nanopesticides, 15 ± 6 nm), a polymer-based nanopesticide (acephate nanopesticides, 55 ± 25 nm), and an inorganic nanoparticle associated with an organic active ingredient (validamycin nanopesticides, 1177 ± 220 nm)) and their microparticulate forms (i.e., permethrin, copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO₄·5H₂O), acephate, and validamycin) widely used against agricultural pests, while also showing the merits of using Drosophila—a non-target in vivo eukaryotic model organism—in nanogenotoxicology studies. Significant biological effects were noted at the highest doses of permethrin (0.06 and 0.1 mM), permethrin nanopesticides (1 and 2.5 mM), CuSO₄·5H₂O (1 and 5 mM), acephate and acephate nanopesticides (1 and 5 mM, respectively), and validamycin and validamycin nanopesticides (1 and 2.5 mM, respectively). The results demonstrating the toxic/genotoxic potential of these nanopesticides through their impact on cellular internalization and gene expression represent significant contributions to future nanogenotoxicology studies.

Effects of Some Insecticides (Deltamethrin and Malathion) and Lemongrass Oil on Fruit Fly (Drosophila melanogaster)

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The continuous use of pesticides in the ecosystem is of great concern, as some of them are highly stable and impact non-target organisms. The effect was tested of different concentrations of insecticides such as (Deltamethrin and Malathion) and natural products, Including, lemongrass oil on Fruit Fly (<i>Drosophila melanogaster</i>), to calculate the concentration at which the highest mortality occurred and death half the number of individuals after 96 hrs, as well as calculating the half-lethal time for individuals. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> This study, which evaluated the toxicity of five different concentrations (0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50 and 1.75 mg L<sup>1</sup>) of Malathion, (0.05, 0.10, 0.21, 0.53 and 1.48 mg L<sup>1</sup>) of Deltamethrin and lemongrass oil (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00 and 1.50 mg L<sup>1</sup>) on the insect of <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i> after 96 hrs of treatment. <b>Results:</b> From the results of this study, the concentration (LC<sub>50 </sub>= 2.938 mg L<sup>1</sup>) of Malathion leads to kills half of the individuals, compared to Deltamethrin a higher concentration (LC<sub>50 </sub>= 4.8673 mg L<sup>1</sup>) that leads to killing half of the individuals. While lemongrass oil the concentration (LC<sub>50 </sub>= 9.7478 mg L<sup>1</sup>) leads to kills half of individuals. Also, when used Deltamethrin it takes (LT<sub>50 </sub>= 660.277) hours to kill half of the individuals compared to Malathion, which takes approximately (LT<sub>50</sub> = 321.862) hours to death half of the individuals. But lemongrass oil (LT<sub>50 </sub>= 819.745) hours to kill half of the individuals. <b>Conclusion:</b> In conclusion, the lemon plant and its components have excellent potential for being used in the control of <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i>, which had an effective role in biological control.

Mechanisms and biological impacts of graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotubes on Drosophila melanogaster: Oxidative stress, genotoxic damage, phenotypic variations, locomotor behavior, parasitoid resistance, and cellular immune response

The use of graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has now become rather common in medical applications as well as several other areas thanks to their useful physicochemical properties. While in vitro testing offers some potential, in vivo research into toxic effects of graphene and MWCNTs could yield much more reliable data. Drosophila melanogaster has recently gained significant popularity as a dynamic eukaryotic model in examining toxicity, genotoxicity, and biological effects of exposure to nanomaterials, including oxidative stress, cellular immune response against two strains (NSRef and G486) of parasitoid wasp (Leptopilina boulardi), phenotypic variations, and locomotor behavior risks. D. melanogaster was used as a model organism in our study to identify the potential risks of exposure to graphene (thickness: 2-18 nm) and MWCNTs in different properties (as pure [OD: 10-20 nm short], modified by amide [NH₂ ] [OD: 7-13 nm length: 55 μm], and modified by carboxyl [COOH] [OD: 30-50 nm and length: 0.5-2 μm]) at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 250 μg/ml. Significant effects were observed at two high doses (100 and 250 μg/ml) of graphene or MWCNTs. This is the first study to report findings of cellular immune response against hematopoiesis and parasitoids, nanogenotoxicity, phenotypic variations, and locomotor behavior in D. melanogaster.

Recent Developments in the Application of Nanomaterials in Agroecosystems

Nanotechnology implies the scientific research, development, and manufacture, along with processing, of materials and structures on a nano scale. Presently, the contamination of metalloids and metals in the soil has gained substantial attention. The consolidation of nanomaterials and plants in ecological management has received considerable research attention because certain nanomaterials could enhance plant seed germination and entire plant growth. Conversely, when the nanomaterial concentration is not properly controlled, toxicity will definitely develop. This paper discusses the role of nanomaterials as: (1) nano-pesticides (for improving the plant resistance against the biotic stress); and (2) nano-fertilizers (for promoting the plant growth by providing vital nutrients). This review analyzes the potential usages of nanomaterials in agroecosystem. In addition, the adverse effects of nanomaterials on soil organisms are discussed. We mostly examine the beneficial effects of nanomaterials such as nano-zerovalent iron, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, nano-hydroxyapatite, carbon nanotubes, and silver- and copper-based nanomaterials. Some nanomaterials can affect the growth, survival, and reproduction of soil organisms. A change from testing/using nanomaterials in plants for developing nanomaterials depending on agricultural requirements would be an important phase in the utilization of nanomaterials in sustainable agriculture. Conversely, the transport as well as ecological toxicity of nanomaterials should be seriously examined for guaranteeing its benign usage in agriculture.