Nanoparticles and plant adaptations to abiotic stresses

Abstract

Plant growth is always negatively affected by abiotic stresses. In the light of current climate trends, global food security will be critically dependent on our ability to minimise penalties imposed by various abiotic stresses (e.g. heat, drought, salinity, flooding, and nutritional disorders etc.) on crop growth and yield. Nanobiotechnology approach is known as a useful tool to improve plant performance under stress. This special issue summarises some recent findings in the field focusing on mechanisms by which externally applied nanoparticles improve plant performance under drought, salinity, and heavy metal stress.