Current Knowledge, Research Progress, and Future Prospects of Phyto-Synthesized Nanoparticles Interactions with Food Crops under Induced Drought Stress

Abdul Wahab (), Farwa Batool, Murad Muhammad, Wajid Zaman (), Rafid Magid Mikhlef and Muhammad Naeem
Additional contact information
Abdul Wahab: Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
Farwa Batool: Department of Botany, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore 54000, Punjab, Pakistan
Murad Muhammad: University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Wajid Zaman: Department of Life Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
Rafid Magid Mikhlef: Biotechnology Department, University of Samarra, Samarra 34010, Iraq
Muhammad Naeem: Department of Plant Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 20, 1-40

Abstract: Drought stress threatens global food security and requires creative agricultural solutions. Recently, phyto-synthesized nanoparticles NPs have garnered attention as a way to reduce food crop drought. This extensive research examines how phyto-synthesized NPs improve crop growth and biochemistry in drought-stressed situations. The review begins with an introduction highlighting the urgency of addressing the agricultural challenges posed by drought. It also highlights the significance of nanoparticles synthesized from photosynthesis in this context. Its purpose is to underscore the importance of sustainable farming practices. This approach is contrasted with conventional methods, elucidating the ecological and economic advantages of phyto-synthesized NPs. This review discusses phyto-synthesized nanoparticles, including titanium dioxide, iron oxide, gold, silver, and copper. In addition, we review their ability to enhance crop growth and stress resistance. The primary focus is to elucidate the effects of phyto-synthesized NPs on plant development under drought stress. Noteworthy outcomes encompass improvements in seed germination, seedling growth, water absorption, photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, the activation of antioxidant defense mechanisms, and the modulation of hormonal responses. These results underscore the potential of phyto-synthesized NPs as agents for enhancing growth and mitigating stress. The review assesses the risks and challenges of using phyto-synthesized NPs in agriculture. Considerations include non-target organisms, soil, and environmental impacts. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects, dangers, and benefits of phyto-synthesized NPs. Nanoparticles offer a targeted and sustainable approach for improving plant drought tolerance, outpacing traditional methods in ethics and ecological balance. Their mechanisms range from nutrient delivery to molecular regulation. However, the long-term environmental impact remains understudied. This review is critical for identifying research gaps and advancing sustainable agricultural practices amid global water scarcity.

Keywords: phyto-synthesized NPs; agriculture; drought stress; plant growth; biochemical attributes; environmental impact (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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