Nanotechnology for Improved Crop Resilience in Challenging Environments

Abstract

The global agricultural landscape faces unprecedented challenges, including climate change, soil degradation, and water scarcity, necessitating innovative approaches to enhance crop resilience. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising avenue for addressing these challenges by offering precise tools to manipulate and engineer materials at the nanoscale. This chapter explores the application of nanotechnology to enhance crop resilience in challenging environments. Nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles and nanocomposites, exhibit unique physicochemical properties that can positively impact plant growth, stress response, and overall crop performance. Engineered nanomaterials have demonstrated the ability to enhance nutrient uptake, mitigate abiotic stressors, and bolster plant defense mechanisms. Additionally, nanoscale delivery systems enable targeted and controlled release of agrochemicals, optimizing their efficacy while minimizing environmental impact. This chapter highlights recent advancements in nanotechnology-driven strategies to improve crop resilience, encompassing nanoscale nutrient delivery, stress-responsive nanomaterials, and precision agriculture technologies. Furthermore, the potential risks and ethical considerations associated with nanotechnology in agriculture are discussed. Overall, the integration of nanotechnology holds great promise for sustainable agriculture, offering novel solutions to ensure food security and mitigate the impact of challenging environmental conditions on global crop production.