Abstract
Addressing the global population's dietary needs is crucial amid crop
damage issues like insect infestations and adverse weather affecting one-third of
conventionally farmed crops. Nanotechnology, recognized for its efficacy and
environmental benefits, has gained attention in the past decade. While it has
transformed medicine, its applications in agriculture are underexplored. Current
research investigates the use of nanomaterials in agriculture for targeted delivery of
genes, insecticides, fertilizers, and growth regulators. Nanotechnology shows promise
in mitigating abiotic stress in plants by mimicking antioxidative enzymes. This chapter
assesses nanoparticles' roles in plant research, highlighting their effectiveness as
growth regulators, nanopesticides, nanofertilizers, antimicrobial agents, and targeted
transporters. Understanding plant-nanomaterial interactions opens new avenues for
enhancing agricultural practices, improving disease resistance, and crop productivity,
and optimizing fertilizer use.