Nanobiotechnology Applications in Enhancing Crop Disease Resistance and Postharvest Quality: A Review
Mohd Ashaq
Department of Botany, Govt Degree College Thannamandi, Rajouri, J&K- 185212, India.
Himanshu Mishra *
Fruit Production and Post Harvest Technology, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture Lakhimpur Kheri, Gola Compulsory, CSA University of Agriculture and Technology Kanpur Nagar, India.
Narinder Panotra
Institute of Biotechnology, SKUAST Jammu, Chatha (Jammu and Kashmir) 180009, India.
Aranav Yadav
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Har Nam Singh
Department of Horticulture, Janta College Bakewar, C.S.J.M. University, Kanpur, India.
Akshita Bisht
IFTM University Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh -244102, India.
Shobha Thakur
Department of Chemistry, SHUATS University, India.
Sagar Kashinath Khokale
Department of Pharmaceutics, Sandip Institute of Pharmaceutical sciences, Nashik, Maharashtra (422213), India.
Achyuta Basak
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, Pin- 736165, India.
Reshma Jadhav
Department of Biochemistry, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Nanobiotechnology is an interdisciplinary field combining nanotechnology and biotechnology, showing great potential in agriculture. Nanomaterials like nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and nanocomposites can improve plant disease resistance and postharvest quality due to their unique properties at the nanoscale. Nanoparticles of metals like silver, copper, and zinc exhibit antimicrobial effects against various plant pathogens. Nanoemulsions and nanoencapsulation enable controlled release of pesticides and agrochemicals, reducing their environmental impact. Nanosensors allow early detection of plant stress and diseases. Nanocoatings on fruits and seeds minimize postharvest losses. However, research on plant and environmental nanotoxicity is limited. This review summarizes current research on nanobiotechnology applications in crop protection and quality, discussing benefits, challenges, and future prospects. Nanobiotechnology has the potential to revolutionize agriculture through eco-friendly and sustainable approaches to improve global food security.
Keywords: Nanobiotechnology, crop protection, postharvest quality, sustainable agriculture, plant disease resistance