Nanotechnology-based Sustainable Agriculture

Dr. Pardeep Singh is a Senior Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Science at PGDAV College, University of Delhi, India. With an h-index of 21 and over 1,650 citations, Dr. Singh has published more than 65 research papers and edited 35 books with international publishers. His expertise spans waste management and environmental sustainability. Dr. Ankit Kumar Singh is an Assistant Professor at Lalit Narayan Mithila University, India. He has published 12 research papers and three book chapters in high-impact journals. Dr. Singh’s work focuses on botany with a particular emphasis on the role of emerging technologies in addressing food security and environmental challenges. Dr. Vipendra Kumar Singh is a Senior Postdoctoral Fellow at the Indian Institute of Technology. His research spans hormone-dependent cancers, cell biology, and environmental toxicology. With 18 peer-reviewed publications and numerous awards, Dr. Singh has made significant contributions to molecular biology, nanotechnology, and sustainable agriculture. Dr. Vijay Kumar is a Researcher in green nanoparticles and environmental applications, focusing on the biological synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles. Dr. Kumar has authored more than 27 research papers, several book chapters, and an edited volume. His work emphasizes sustainable solutions for environmental remediation and nanotechnology-driven agricultural advancements.

• List of Contributors xviiPreface xxiii1 Fabrication of Nanomaterials and Their Potential Advantage for Sustainable Agriculture 1Arjun Kumar Mehara, Anuradha Kumari, Neeraj K. Verma, Prachi Marwaha, Abhishek Rai, Mayank Kumar Singh, and Ankit Kumar Singh1.1 Introduction 11.1.1 Shortcomings of Conventional Agriculture 21.2 Fabrication Techniques for Nanomaterials 31.2.1 Top-down Approaches 31.2.1.1 Mechanical Milling or Ball Milling 41.2.1.2 Nanolithography 51.2.1.3 Laser Ablation Method 51.2.1.4 Thermal Decomposition 51.2.1.5 Sputtering Method 61.2.1.6 Arc-discharge Method 61.2.2 Bottom-up Approach 71.2.2.1 CVD Method 71.2.2.2 Sol–Gel Method 71.2.2.3 Spinning Method 71.2.2.4 Hydrothermal Method 81.3 Green Synthesis of Nanomaterials 81.3.1 Nanomaterial Synthesis Using Microorganism 81.3.2 Nanomaterial Synthesis Using Bacteria 91.3.3 Nanomaterial Synthesis Using Actinomycetes 91.3.4 Green Synthesis of NP Using Fungi 101.3.5 Nanomaterial Synthesis Using Plant Extract 101.4 Nanomaterials as Controlled Delivery System for Actives and Sustainable Agriculture 111.4.1 Carrier-based Nanomaterials 111.4.1.1 Nanopesticides 141.4.1.2 Nanofertilizers 151.4.1.3 Nanosensors 151.4.1.4 Stimuli-responsive Nanocarriers 151.4.2 Carrier-free Nanomaterials 201.4.2.1 Micronutrient NFs 211.4.2.2 Macronutrient NFs 221.4.2.3 Nano-biofertilizers 241.5 Challenges and Future Outlook 251.6 Conclusion 26Acknowledgments 26References 272 Effect of Nanocomposites on Sustainable Growth of Crop Plants and Productivity 47Katina Chachei, Sonali Ranjan, Kirpa Ram, and Ram Sharan Singh2.1 Introduction 472.2 Types of NCs and Its Uptake Through Roots and Leaves in Plants 492.2.1 Metal-based Polymer Composites 502.2.2 Carbon-based Polymer Composites 502.3 Application and Effects of NCs in Plant Development and Productivity 512.3.1 Positive Effects on the Application of NCs in Plant 522.3.1.1 NC-based Fertilizer 552.3.1.2 NC-based Pesticide: Fungicide, Bactericide, and Herbicide 572.3.1.3 Biochar-based NCs 592.3.1.4 NC-based Materials as Sensors 602.3.1.5 Biopolymer-based NCs 612.3.1.6 Chitosan-based NCs 622.4 Adverse Effects of NCs on Crop Productivity and Sustainability 642.5 Challenges and Future Prospects in Application of NCs on Crop Plants 672.6 Conclusion 68Acknowledgement 68Author Contribution 68References 683 Role of Nanofertilizers in Sustainable Growth of Crop Plants and Production 77Aaradhya Pandey, Pragya Tiwari, and Eti Sharma3.1 Introduction 773.2 NFs, Its Types, and Synthesis Methods 783.2.1 NF and Their Significance in Current Agriculture 803.2.2 Classification of NFs 833.2.2.1 Action-based NFs 833.2.2.2 Nutrient-based NFs 833.2.2.3 Consistency-based NFs 843.2.2.4 Nanocarrier-loaded NFs 843.2.2.5 Nano-biofertilizers 843.3 Mode of Action 843.3.1 Mechanism of Nutrient Release and Uptake by Plants 853.3.2 Increased Nutrition Uptake by Plants 873.3.3 Improved Water and Nutrient Retention in Soil 873.4 Contribution Toward Sustainable Agriculture 883.4.1 Enhanced Nutrient Retention Capacity 883.4.2 Biotic and Abiotic Stress Tolerance by Plants 883.4.3 Increase Microbial Activity 893.4.4 Lesser Environmental Pollution 893.5 Customization of NFs 903.5.1 Dosage Optimization 903.5.2 Method of NFs’ Application 913.5.2.1 Foliar Spray 913.5.2.2 Nanopriming 913.5.2.3 Soil Treatment 923.6 NFs’ Integration with Precision Agriculture 923.7 Ethical, Regulatory, and Safety Issues 933.8 Advantages and Limitations 953.8.1 Advantages of NFs 953.8.2 Limitation of NFs 963.9 Conclusion and Future Perspective 97References 974 Nanotechnology is an Emerging Tool for Stress Management in Crop Plants 105Mohd Anas, Mohammad Umar, and Abdul Razzak4.1 Introduction 1054.2 Synthesis and Characterization of Nanomaterials 1094.2.1 Bottom-up Method 1094.2.2 Chemical Method 1094.2.3 Biological Method 1094.2.4 Top-down Method (Physical Approach) 1104.3 Characterization of Nanomaterials 1104.4 Applications of Nanotechnology in Managing Abiotic Stress 1114.4.1 Drought Stress 1114.4.2 Salt Stress 1124.4.3 Thermal Stress 1134.4.4 Toxic Metal Stress 1154.4.5 Organic Pollutants Stress 1164.4.6 Hypoxia and Anoxia Stresses 1174.5 Environmental Implications: Case Studies and Recent Plant Research 1184.5.1 NPs as Phytoregulators 1194.5.2 NPs for Preserving Soil Integrity and Functionality 1204.5.3 Utilizing Nanopesticides in Plant Defense 1214.5.4 Antimicrobial Action of NPs 1234.6 Conclusion and Future Perspectives 124References 1255 Impacts of Nanomaterials on Soil Microbial Communities 135Nisha Kumari, Abhishek Tiwari, Ingle Sagar Nandulal, Sai Parasar Das, Bhabani Prasad Mondal, Bipin Bihari, Pritam Ganguly, Chandini, and Randeep Kumar5.1 Introduction 1355.2 Types of Nanomaterials and Their Agricultural Applications 1365.3 Soil Microbial Communities: Role in Agriculture 1365.3.1 Composition and Functions 1365.4 Effect of NPs on Microbial Diversity 1375.4.1 Changes in Microbial Community Structure 1385.4.2 Impacts of NMs on Microbial Function and Soil Health 1385.5 Ecotoxicology of NPs on Soil Microbial Community 1395.5.1 Effects of Zinc NPs 1395.5.2 Effect of Titanium NPs 1405.5.3 Effect of Ag-NPs 1415.5.4 Effect of Iron NPs 1425.5.5 Effect of Copper NPs 1425.6 Assessment and Monitoring of NM Impacts 1435.6.1 Long-term Effects on Soil Ecosystem Services 1435.6.2 Potential Risks and Benefits 1445.7 Mitigation Strategies and Future Directions 1455.7.1 Approaches to Minimize Negative Impacts 1455.8 Regulatory and Policy Considerations 1475.9 Future Research Prospects and Knowledge Gaps 1485.9.1 Method of Application of Nanofertilizers 1485.9.2 Formation of Successful Execution Mechanisms 1495.9.3 Assessing the Financial Possibility of Extensive Production 1495.9.4 Significance of Nanofertilizers on Environment 1495.10 Conclusion 149References 1506 Silver Nanoparticles’ Emerging Roles in Enhancing Crop Plant Growth and Yield 159Anuradha Kumari, Anumanchi Sree Manogna, Prabhat Kumar, and Ilora Ghosh6.1 Introduction 1596.2 AgNPs: Synthesis and Characterization 1616.2.1 Methods for Synthesizing AgNPs 1616.2.1.1 Chemical Methods 1626.2.1.2 Physical Methods 1626.2.1.3 Biological Methods 1626.2.2 Factors Influencing the Synthesis Process and NP Properties 1636.2.2.1 Concentration of Silver Precursor 1636.2.2.2 Reducing Agent Type and Concentration 1636.2.2.3 Stabilizing Agents 1636.2.2.4 pH of the Reaction Medium 1636.2.2.5 Temperature 1636.2.3 Characterization Techniques for Evaluating the Size, Shape, and Stability of AgNPs 1636.2.3.1 UV-vis Spectroscopy 1646.2.3.2 Transmission Electron Microscopy 1646.2.3.3 Scanning Electron Microscopy 1656.2.3.4 Dynamic Light Scattering 1656.2.3.5 X-ray Diffraction 1656.2.3.6 Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy 1656.2.3.7 Zeta-potential Analysis 1656.3 Antimicrobial Properties of AgNPs 1656.3.1 Mechanisms of Action of AgNPs Against Plant Pathogens 1666.3.1.1 Disruption of Cell Membrane Integrity 1666.3.1.2 Generation of ROS 1666.3.1.3 Interaction With Biomolecules 1666.3.1.4 Inhibition of Signal Transduction 1666.3.1.5 Release of Silver Ions 1676.3.2 Effects of AgNPs on Pathogen Growth Inhibition and Disease Suppression in Crops 1676.3.2.1 Bacterial Pathogens 1676.3.2.2 Fungal Pathogens 1676.3.2.3 Viral Pathogens 1676.3.3 Potential Applications of AgNPs as Antimicrobial Agents in Crop Protection 1686.3.3.1 Seed Treatment 1686.3.3.2 Foliar Sprays 1686.3.3.3 Soil Amendments 1686.3.3.4 Postharvest Treatments 1686.4 Seed Treatment With AgNPs 1686.4.1 Effects of AgNP Seed Treatment on Germination Rates and Seedling Vigor 1696.4.2 Influence of AgNPs on Seedling Establishment and Early Growth Stages 1706.4.3 Optimization of AgNPs’ Application Methods for Seed Treatment 1706.5 Nutrient Uptake and Transport Enhancement 1706.5.1 Role of AgNPs in Improving Nutrient Absorption by Crop Plants 1716.5.2 Mechanisms of AgNP-mediated Nutrient Uptake and Transport Within Plants 1716.5.2.1 Direct Uptake by Roots 1716.5.2.2 Translocation Through Xylem 1716.5.2.3 Influence on Cellular Mechanisms 1726.5.2.4 Oxidative Stress and Defense Mechanisms 1726.5.2.5 Formation of New Pores 1726.5.2.6 Influence of Ag + Ions 1726.5.3 Effects of AgNPs on Nutrient Availability in Soil and Nutrient Utilization Efficiency by Plants 1726.5.3.1 AgNPs’ Effects on Soil’s Nutrient Availability 1726.5.3.2 Plant Nutrient Utilization Efficiency 1726.6 Stress Tolerance Improvement 1736.6.1 Mechanisms of Stress Tolerance Enhancement 1736.6.1.1 ROS Management 1736.6.1.2 Methylglyoxal Detoxification 1736.6.1.3 Enhanced Nutrient Uptake 1736.6.1.4 Gene Expression Regulation 1736.6.1.5 Physiological Enhancements 1746.6.1.6 Hormonal Regulation 1746.6.2 Mitigation of Abiotic Stresses by AgNPs 1746.6.2.1 Drought Stress Mitigation 1746.6.2.2 Salinity Stress Alleviation 1746.6.2.3 Heavy Metal Stress Reduction 1746.7 Promotion of Photosynthesis and Biomass Accumulation 1756.7.1 Mechanisms of AgNPs-mediated Photosynthesis Promotion 1756.7.1.1 Improved Chlorophyll Content 1756.7.1.2 Enhanced Photosynthetic Efficiency 1756.7.1.3 Increased Nutrient Uptake 1756.7.1.4 Impact on Stomatal Conductance 1756.7.2 Promotion of Biomass Accumulation 1756.7.2.1 Root Growth Promotion 1756.7.2.2 Shoot Growth Enhancement 1766.7.2.3 Stress Tolerance Improvement 1766.7.2.4 Influence of AgNP Treatment on Crop Yield 1766.8 Root Development and Soil Interaction 1766.8.1 Promotion of Root Growth and Development by AgNPs 1766.8.2 Effects of AgNPs on Root Architecture, Root Surface Area, and Nutrient Uptake 1776.8.3 Interactions Between AgNPs and Soil Components Affecting Plant Growth 1776.9 Sustainable Agriculture Applications 1786.9.1 Potential Benefits and Challenges of Integrating AgNPs Into Agricultural Practices 1786.9.1.1 Potential Benefits 1786.9.1.2 Challenges 1796.9.2 Considerations for the Safe and Responsible Use of AgNPs in Crop Production 1796.10 Conclusion 180References 1807 Effect of Nanomaterials on the Physiological Status of Crop Plants 187Akanksha Rout, Komal Jalan, and Pradipta Banerjee7.1 Introduction 1877.2 Types of NPs 1897.3 Synthesis and Characterization of NMs 1957.3.1 Methods of Synthesis 1957.3.2 Techniques for Characterization 1957.3.3 NM–crop Plant Interaction 1967.3.3.1 Method of Use of NMs 1967.3.3.2 Uptake, Translocation, Accumulation, and Distribution 1977.4 Physiological Effects on Crop Plants 1987.4.1 Impact on Photosynthesis 1987.4.1.1 Changes in Chlorophyll Content 1987.4.1.2 Effects on Photosynthetic Rate and Efficiency 1997.4.2 Growth and Development 1997.4.2.1 Seed Germination and Root Development 1997.4.2.2 Root and Shoot Growth and Biomass 2007.4.3 Nutrient Uptake and Assimilation 2017.5 Molecular and Biochemical Responses 2027.5.1 Gene Expression and Signaling Pathways 2027.5.1.1 Changes in Gene Expression Profiles 2027.5.1.2 Key Signaling Pathways Affected 2037.5.2 Enzymatic Activity and Stress Responses 2047.5.2.1 Alterations in Enzymatic Activities 2047.5.2.2 Responses to Oxidative and Abiotic Stress 2077.6 Case Studies and Experimental Findings 2097.6.1 Positive Effects 2097.6.1.1 Enhanced Growth and Yield 2097.6.1.2 Improved Resistance to Pests and Diseases 2107.6.2 Negative Effects 2117.6.2.1 Phytotoxicity and Growth Inhibition 2117.6.2.2 Long-term Environmental Impact 2127.7 Practical Applications and Future Prospects 2147.7.1 Current Applications in Agriculture: Implementation and Realization 2157.7.1.1 Nanofertilizers and Nutrient Delivery 2157.7.1.2 Nanopesticides and Crop Protection 2157.7.1.3 Nanosensors and Precision Agriculture 2157.7.1.4 Stress Mitigation and Crop Resilience 2157.8 Environmental and Safety Considerations 2167.8.1 Ecotoxicology of NMs 2167.8.1.1 Impact on Soil, Water, and Nontarget Organisms 2167.8.2 Risk Assessment and Management 2177.8.2.1 Preliminary Activity in Risk Ranking 2177.8.2.2 Hazard Assessment 2177.8.2.3 Dose–Response Assessment 2187.8.2.4 Exposure Assessment 2187.8.2.5 Risk Characterization 2187.9 Conclusion 2187.10 Future Prospects 220References 2208 Chitosan Nanoparticles as Nanosorbent for Potential Removal of Pollutant from the Soil 231Abirami Geetha Natarajan, Kripa V, Jothi Ganesan M, and Philip Bernstein Saynik8.1 Introduction 2318.1.1 Background on Soil Remediation 2318.1.1.1 Primary Causes of Soil Pollution 2328.1.2 Need for Effective Remediation Techniques 2338.2 Chitosan 2348.2.1 Chemical Structure and Properties 2348.2.1.1 Solubility 2358.2.1.2 Viscosity 2368.2.1.3 Thermal Properties 2368.2.1.4 Biological Properties 2368.2.1.5 Mechanical Properties 2368.2.2 Synthesis and Modification 2368.2.2.1 Chemical Method 2378.2.2.2 Biological Method 2378.2.3 Applications of Chitosan 2388.3 Nanotechnology and Soil Remediation 2398.3.1 Introduction to Nanotechnology 2398.3.2 Types of Nano Adsorbents 2408.3.2.1 Metallic Oxide Nanoparticles 2418.3.2.2 Metallic Nanoparticles 2418.3.2.3 Carbonaceous Nanoparticles 2418.3.2.4 Other Nanoparticles 2418.3.3 Benefits of Using Nano Adsorbent 2418.3.3.1 High Surface Area 2418.3.3.2 Enhanced Reactivity 2418.3.3.3 Selectivity and Functionalization 2428.3.3.4 Small Intraparticle Diffusion Distance 2428.3.3.5 Versatility 2428.3.3.6 Reduced Secondary Pollution 2428.4 Chitosan Nano Adsorbent for Soil Remediation 2428.4.1 Synthesis of Chitosan Nanoparticles 2428.4.1.1 Ionic Gelation 2428.4.1.2 Emulsification and Cross-linking 2438.4.1.3 Emulsion Solvent Diffusion 2438.4.1.4 Microemulsion 2438.4.1.5 Reverse Micellization 2438.4.1.6 Synthesis from Biocomposites 2438.4.2 Functionalization of Chitosan Nanoparticles 2448.4.2.1 Cross-linking 2448.4.2.2 Grafting 2448.4.2.3 Functional Group Addition 2458.4.2.4 Electrostatic Interactions 2458.4.2.5 Hydrogen Bonding 2458.4.2.6 Hybrid Functionalization 2458.5 Key Research Studies 2458.5.1 Removal of Herbicides 2468.5.1.1 Removal of Diquat 2468.5.1.2 Removal of Atrazine 2468.5.2 Pesticide Removal 2478.5.3 Organic Pollution Degradation 2478.5.3.1 Degradation of Trichloroethene 2478.5.3.2 Oil Spill Remediation 2488.5.4 Immobilization and Removal of Heavy Metals 2488.5.4.1 Stabilization of Chromium in Soil 2488.5.4.2 Decontamination of Cu 2+ from Soil 2488.5.4.3 Removal of Cd(II) 2498.5.4.4 Uranium (VI) Sorption 2498.6 Advantages and Limitations 2508.7 Future Perspective and Research Directions 2508.8 Conclusion 251References 2529 Plant-based Nanomaterials for Remediation of Heavy Metal Pollution in Soil 257Swagata Lakshmi Dhali and Moumita Pal9.1 Introduction 2579.2 Sources and Effects of HM Pollution in Soil 2609.2.1 Arsenic (As) Pollution 2619.2.2 Lead (Pb) Pollution 2619.2.3 Cadmium (Cd) Pollution 2619.2.4 Mercury (Hg) Pollution 2629.2.5 Chromium (Cr) Pollution 2629.2.6 Zinc (Zn) Pollution 2629.3 Effects of HMs on Plants 2639.4 Conventional Remediation Techniques of Heavy Metal Soil Pollution 2649.4.1 Physical Methods 2649.4.1.1 Soil Replacement 2649.4.1.2 Immobilization/Solidification 2649.4.1.3 Thermal Desorption 2649.4.2 Chemical Methods 2659.4.2.1 Washing 2659.4.2.2 Biochar 2659.4.2.3 Electrokinetic Method 2659.4.3 Nanotechnology-assisted HM Remediation 2659.4.4 Biological Methods 2659.4.4.1 Phytoremediation 2669.4.4.2 Microbial Remediation 2669.4.4.3 Biosurfactants 2669.5 Role of NPs in Soil Remediation 2679.6 Plant-based Nanomaterials (PBNPs) for Soil Remediation 2689.6.1 Overview of Different Types of Plant-Based Nanomaterials 2699.6.1.1 Zero-valent Iron NPs 2699.6.1.2 Carbon-based Nanomaterials 2699.6.1.3 Copper NPs 2699.6.1.4 Quantum Dots 2709.6.1.5 Polymer NPs 2709.6.2 Mechanism of Action of PBNPs 2709.6.3 Examples of Successful Applications of Plant-based Nanomaterials in HM Remediation 2719.6.3.1 Removal of Cr 2729.6.3.2 Removal of Cr, Cd, and Pb 2739.6.3.3 Removal of Pb 2739.6.3.4 Mitigation of Cd Toxicity 2739.6.3.5 Mitigating Arsenic Stress 2749.7 Limitations of PBNPs 2749.8 Conclusion 275References 27510 Carbon Quantum Dots for the Efficient Degradation of Organic Contaminants 283Vikky Kumar Mahto, Moumita Pal, Ved Prakash, Ankit Kumar Singh, Abhishek Rai, Vipendra Kumar Singh, and Vikas Kumar Singh10.1 Introduction 28310.1.1 Structure of CQDs 28410.2 Synthesis Method 28510.2.1 Hydrothermal Method 28610.2.2 Microwave Irradiation Method 28610.2.3 Pyrolysis Method 28610.2.4 Chemical Ablation Method 28710.2.5 Electrochemical Carbonization 28710.2.6 Arc Discharge Method 28710.3 Organic Contaminants and Their Impacts on Plants and the Environment 28810.3.1 Dyes 28910.3.2 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons 28910.3.3 Pesticides and Insecticides 29010.4 CQDs Application in Detection of Agrochemical Residues 29110.4.1 Pesticides and Herbicides 29110.4.2 Fungicides and Insecticides 29310.5 Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Contaminants Using CQDs 29410.6 Conclusion and Future Outlook 295Abbreviations 296References 29611 Carbon-based Nanomaterials: A Promising Tool for Sensing Toxic Metal Ions from Degraded Soil 305Poorna Sneha M, Mohit Biju, Aishwarya Thomas, and Parvathi Balachandran11.1 Introduction 30511.1.1 Contamination of Soil by Toxic Metal Ions 30511.1.2 Conventional Methods for the Detection of Toxic Metal Ions in Soil 30711.1.3 Carbon-based Nanomaterials 30711.2 Carbon-based Nanomaterials for Sensing the Purpose of a Sensing Tool 30811.2.1 Allotropy of Carbon 30811.2.2 Carbon-based Nanomaterials as an Alternative Strategy in Heavy Metal Sensing 30811.2.3 Unique Properties of Carbon-based Nanomaterials 30911.2.4 Types of Carbon-based Nanomaterials 30911.2.4.1 Graphene 31011.2.4.2 Nanodiamonds 31011.2.4.3 Carbon Nanotubes 31111.2.4.4 Fullerenes 31111.2.4.5 Carbon Dots 31111.3 Sensing Mechanisms of Toxic Metal Ions by Nanomaterials 31311.3.1 Nanocarbon in Electrochemical Sensing 31311.3.2 Existing Sensing Mechanisms Employed for Metal Ion Detection 31311.3.2.1 Graphene-based Sensor for Metal Ion Detection 31411.3.2.2 Nano-diamond-based Sensor for Metal Ion Detection 31411.3.2.3 CNT-based Sensor for Metal Ion Detection 31511.3.2.4 Other Nanocarbons for Metal Ion Detection 31611.3.3 Factors Influencing the Sensitivity of Sensing Mechanisms of Carbon-based Nanomaterials 31611.3.3.1 Materialistic Properties 31611.3.3.2 Environmental Interactions 31711.3.3.3 Functionalization Techniques 31711.4 Applications Related to Metal Ion Detection by Carbon-based Nanomaterials 31711.5 Challenges Associated with the Usage of Carbon-based Nanomaterials 32011.6 Future Prospects of Carbon-based Nanomaterials 32211.7 Conclusion 323Abbreviations 324References 32412 Breaking Barriers of Conventional Disease Protection: Impact of Nanopathology 333Puja Kumari, Sawant Shraddha Bhaskar, Jeetu Narware, and Abhijeet Ghatak12.1 Introduction 33312.2 Evolution of Nanotechnology in the Agriculture Field 33512.3 Key Characteristics and Aspects of Nanotechnology 33512.3.1 Key Characteristics 33512.3.2 Aspects of Nanotechnology 33612.3.2.1 Nanoscale Materials 33612.3.2.2 Nanofabrication Techniques or NP Synthesis Techniques 33612.3.2.3 Applications of Nanotechnology 33712.4 Nanopathology 33712.4.1 Early Detection and Diagnosis 33712.4.2 Targeted Delivery of Agrochemicals 33912.4.3 Advanced Plant Disease Management 33912.4.3.1 Enhanced Resistance and Tolerance 33912.4.4 Soil and Water Treatment 34012.4.5 Biofortification and Plant Health 34212.5 Challenges and Considerations 34212.6 Conclusion 342References 34313 Role of Nanoparticles in Plant Disease Management 347Umesh Kumar, Prince Kumar Singh, Parvati Madheshiya, and Indrajeet Kumar13.1 Introduction 34713.2 Types of NPs used in Plant Disease Management 34813.3 Plant Disease Management Through NPs 35113.3.1 Inhibition of Biofilm Formation 35213.3.2 Cell Wall and Cell Membrane Destruction 35213.3.3 Interaction with Biomolecules 35313.4 Emerging Strategies for Mitigating Plant Diseases via NPs 35413.4.1 Techniques to Better Seed Germination and Plant Development 35513.4.2 Advancements in Food Processing and Packaging Technologies 35513.4.3 Stress Tolerance as a Key to Optimizing Crop Productivity 35613.4.4 Nano-biofertilizers: Revolutionizing Soil Enhancement 35613.4.5 Next-generation Delivery Mechanisms for Fertilizers and Nutrients 35713.4.6 NP-based Approaches to Bacterial Disease Management 35713.4.7 Role of NPs in Managing Viral Infections 35713.4.8 Utilization of NPs for Managing Fungal Infections 36113.4.9 NP-based Platforms for Effective Insecticide Application 36113.4.10 Enhancing Crop Performance Through Genetic Improvement 36213.4.11 Harnessing Nanosensors for Smart Agricultural Practices 36213.5 Mitigation Strategies for Addressing NP-related Risks 36313.5.1 Interaction of NPs with Cellular Surfaces 36313.5.2 Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Practices 36313.5.3 Regulatory Strategies for Controlling NPs’ Risks 36413.6 Conclusion and Future Prospects 364References 36514 Challenges and Risk Assessment of Nanomaterial-based Chemicals Used for Sustainable Agriculture 377Ranjani Ravikumar, Jayavardhini M, Sai Sidharth A, Vikky Rajulapati, and Philip Bernstein Saynik14.1 Introduction 37714.2 Nanofertilizers – Types 37914.2.1 Action-based Nanofertilizers 37914.2.2 Nutrient-based Nanofertilizers 38114.2.3 Consistency-based Nanofertilizers 38214.3 Risk Assessment 38214.4 Uncertainties 38314.5 Risk Management 38414.6 Regulations and Safety Measures 38514.6.1 United States 38514.6.2 United Kingdom 38614.6.3 Canada 38614.6.4 Europe 38714.6.5 Australia 38814.6.6 Switzerland 38814.6.7 Russia 38814.6.8 China 38814.6.9 South Korea 38914.6.10 India 38914.7 Ethical and Safety Concerns of Nanofertilizers and Nanopesticides 39014.8 Conclusion 391References 391Index 395