Application of Nano-materials and Nano- Technology in Agriculture

Abstract

Nanotechnology has been in tremendous use in last two decades including in the field of medicine, communication, aerospace, environment, household goods and scientific researches. Nanotechnology has proved its place in agricultural sciences and related industries, as an interdisciplinary technology and a pioneer in solving problems and filling the loopholes. Nanotechnology has many applications in all stages of production, processing, storing, packaging and transport of agricultural and horticultural products. A very interesting application of nanoparticles in the scope of life sciences is their use as ‘smart’ delivery systems. Nanoclay nanomaterial has been in demand for its recycling nature. Given the high surface area relative to the amount of nanomaterials, fertilizers based on nanotechnology have the potential to surpass conventional fertilizers. Enzymes based nano sensors can act as a sensing element as they are very specific in attachment to certain biomolecules. Nanosized TiO2 in low concentration (2 to 10 ppm) could encourage seed germination of different crops. In packaging, the nano particles can perform wide variety of applications, such as: polymer/clay nanocomposites as high barrier packaging materials, silver nanoparticles as potent antimicrobial agents, and nanosensors and nanomaterial-based assays for the detection of food-relevant analytes.