Nanotechnology in Plant:

1) Self-cleaning properties of lotus leaf's are due to a rough surface with micro- and nano-scale structures that repel water, causing it to bead up and roll off, carrying away dirt.

2) Plant's hydrophobic surfaces at the nanoscale to repel water

Nanofertilizers

Nanoparticles enable slow and targeted release of macro- and micronutrients, enhancing nutrient uptake efficiency through root and foliar absorption pathways.

• Common materials: ZnO NPs, Fe₃O₄ NPs, nano-urea, nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp)

Nanopesticides and Nanoherbicides:

Nanocarriers encapsulate or bind pesticides/herbicides, allowing for controlled release, increased stability, and reduced volatilization or photodegradation.

Lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric NPs, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs),Silver (AgNPs), copper oxide (CuO NPs), chitosan NPs

Abiotic Stress Tolerance

NPs modulate plant defense pathways, osmolyte accumulation, and antioxidant enzyme systems (SOD, CAT, POD), mitigating damage from abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and heavy metals.

Here: https://doi.org/10.1002/jctb.6741

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jafc.8b00691

-Deliver nutrients more efficiently to plants.

-Reduce leaching and environmental pollution.

-Enable slow or controlled release of nutrients

-Increase solubility and stability of active ingredients.

-Reduce the required dosage and toxicity to non-target organisms.

-Allow for targeted delivery to specific pests or weeds.

-Nano-biosensors can detect pathogens, toxins, or stress conditions at an early stage.

• Enable real-time monitoring of plant responses to the environment.

Nanoparticles like zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been shown to:

• Stimulate seed germination.

• Enhance root and shoot growth.

• Improve photosynthesis efficiency.