Potential applications of nanotechnology in major agriculture divisions - A Review

Nanotechnology, a promising interdisciplinary science has already been adopted by various sectors like medicine, pharmaceuticals, electronics and energy. But, recently, agriculture and food science door has been opened up for allowing nanoscience and technology to revolutionize them. Due to small size, large surface to volume ratio, chemical reactivity, enhanced solubility and unique magnetic and optical properties of nanoparticles, the long term positive effects on agriculture production including enhanced germination percentage, rapid and accurate gene delivery system, timely and controlled agrochemicals delivery system for be er plant growth and effective monitoring of pest and disease occurrence by using nanosensor can be achieved. Additionally, this nanotechnology also helps to increase the span of life, freshness and quality of food by resisting the gas penetration, increasing the tensile strength and enhancing micronutrient and antioxidant absorption through food packaging and preserving nanomaterials. In this paper, recent research, development and potential applications of nanotechnology in major agricultural divisions like crop improvement, crop management, crop protection and food science have been reviewed.

Nanotechnology is a new emerging technology because of having unique properties such as nano meter size of the particle, higher surface to volume ratio, greater surface reactivity with unique quantum size effects which offers great potential to renovate the science and technology.

Nowadays, nanotechnology has opened up a large scope to revolutionize the agriculture and food sectors with new concepts, ideas and tools by maximising the productivity and reduce the poverty in coming years.

Recent research, development and potential applications of nanotechnology in major agricultural divisions like crop improvement, crop management, crop protection and food science has been reviewed in this paper.