Nanofertilization for plant health

The small size and large surface area of nanoparticles (NP) have allowed them to be used for unique applications in agricultural systems such as pesticides and fertilizer delivery. At present, most NP used in agriculture are composed of metallic oxides, metalloids, carbon nanotubes, graphene sheets, mesoporous silicas, and carbon dots. Over the past decade, these NP have found applications as bactericides/fungicides and nanofertilizers. Of the dozens of NPs available, only Ag, B, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, S, Si, and Zn have received attention as bactericides/fungicides and/or nanofertilizers. Accordingly, two mechanisms have been deciphered which depend on the NPs; nutritional and/or bactericidal/fungicidal. Three case studies are presented to showcase the astonishing findings that have been made with certain NP/plant disease systems. As global demand increases for food and fiber, and as changing climate enhances new biotic and abiotic stressors, nanotechnology will serve as one tool to sustainably manage plant diseases by reducing chemical inputs.