Sources, Mechanisms and Toxicity of Nanomaterials in Plants

Plants encounter a wide range of environmental challenges during their life cycle, among which nanoparticle toxicity is a common form of abiotic stress. Nanoparticles can adversely affect various stages of the plant life cycle, such as seed germination, root and shoot growth, chloroplasts ultrastructure and photosynthesis, nutrients assimilation, carbohydrates metabolism, and plant hormonal status, which collectively result in reduced plant yields.

Sources, Mechanisms and Toxicity of Nanomaterials in Plants discusses the plant physiology and chemistry involved when plants encounter nanoparticles. Key topics include effects of nanoparticles on photosynthetic responses, regulation of nanoparticle toxicity by nitric oxide, and regulation of nanoparticle toxicity by exogenous application of primary and secondary metabolites.

This is the first volume in the new Nanomaterials-Plant Interactions series and is an essential read to all researchers and scientists interested in plant physiology and chemistry, agronomy, nanotechnology and environmental science.

• Analyses how nanoparticle toxicity impacts the plant life cycle
• Includes the latest information on the range of coping mechanisms plants use to combat nanotoxicity
• Reviews protectants, such as endogenous signaling molecules, and their role in protecting the plant from nanotoxicity