See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/318237097

Application of Nanotechnology in Enhancement of Crop Productivity and

Integrated Pest Management

Chapter · June 2017

DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-4573-8_17

CITATIONS READS

16 1,055

4 authors, including:

Tooba Shamsi Romana Parveen

University of Alberta Jamia Millia Islamia
33 PUBLICATIONS 515 CITATIONS 25 PUBLICATIONS 386 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Sadaf Fatima
Jamia Millia Islamia
54 PUBLICATIONS 1,217 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Tooba Shamsi on 03 October 2017.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

Application of Nanotechnology
in Enhancement of Crop Productivity 17
and Integrated Pest Management

Manish Kumar, Tooba Naz Shamsi, Romana Parveen,

and Sadaf Fatima

Abstract
In recent times, there has been an emergence of conventional research approaches
supplemented by new science and intermediate technology to resolve current
challenges in agriculture like declining farm profitability, reduction in natural
resources, resurgence of the new pest and diseases, global warming, rising popu-
lation, and climate change. Major chemical companies are now trying to make
potential pesticides at nanoscale as nanopesticides to increase the effectiveness
of pesticides. Nanoencapsulation is a potent carrier for carrying these nanopesti-
cides to the target position. One of the most efficient nanomaterial is aluminosili-
cate nanotube. The spread of aluminosilicate nanotubes on plant surface is taken
up by insect hairs. Insects consume pesticide-filled nanotubes and get killed. The
nanoparticles are also used to prepare the strain-resistant plants and eco-friendly
pesticide development. Silicon nanoparticles are absorbed by plants, and they
lead to increased disease and stress resistance. Nanoparticles not only play a
crucial role in killing of pathogens but also its early detection through the appli-
cation of nanobiosensor. Another area where nanotechnology has shown promis-
ing result is delivery of DNA into plant cells to alter the expression profile of
plants. Mesoporous silica nanoparticle has ability to deliver DNA and drugs into
plant. Nanohomeopathic drug can significantly increase plant growth, chloro-
phyll, and water content of the leaves as compared to untreated plants. The appli-
cation of nanotechnology in agriculture ranges from crop production to protection

Manish Kumar and Tooba Naz Shamsi contributed equally to this work.
M. Kumar
Advanced Instrumentation Research Facility (AIRF), Jawaharlal Nehru University,
New Delhi, India
e-mail: [email protected]
T.N. Shamsi • R. Parveen • S. Fatima (*)
Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2017 361

R. Prasad et al. (eds.), Nanotechnology, DOI 10.1007/978-981-10-4573-8_17
362 M. Kumar et al.

of produced crop against insects and other pests. Nanoparticles have shown to
have profound implication on entomology, for example, the insecticidal activity
of stored grain pests because of loaded nanoformulated allelochemicals. Some
common examples of nanoparticles having antimicrobial effect are silver
nanoparticles and TiO2 nanoparticles. Hence, an early embracing of this nano-
technological feat will have major say in ameliorating the worsening condition
of food scarcity of ever-increasing population.

Keywords
Crop production • Crop protection • Nanotechnology • Nanoherbicides •
Nanopesticides

17.1 Introduction

Agriculture is the backbone of many developing countries including India, and

majority population of these countries is dependent on it for their livelihood. India
has become self-satisfied in food production because of green revolution during the
1960s. Food security is of prime concern area across the globe, and people and
government have been struggling to find a solution to this complex problem. Science
and cutting-edge technology have provided a tool to bring a positive change in the
scenario. Technological advantage has given upper hand in dealing with farm crisis.
Wide range of agricultural research system, broad extension machinery, and gov-
ernment policy have enabled the agriculture sector to react to the increasing demand
for agricultural produce (Ali et al. 2014). However, in recent decades the agriculture
has observed several challenges like farm losses, poor soil quality, resurgence of the
new forms of pathogen, global warming, and climate change. The population growth
fueled higher demand for food which necessitates that more and more emphasis
needs to be given on the research and development of new technologies. Technology
generation and spread of technology through human resource development should
be done. Continuous innovation is strongly needed to meet the challenges of increas-
ing global food security and climate change. Toward this end the conventional
research approaches require to be supplemented by new science and intermediate
technology that are being developed.
For the last so many decades, agriculture has benefited from many different tech-
nological feats, including hybrid crop production, synthetic chemicals, and biotech-
nology; now scientists are exploring nanotechnology as a new source of innovations
for improvement in agriculture. The main focus of research in agricultural nano-
technology applications has been for seeking solutions to numerous agricultural
challenges such as sustainability, better quality of seeds, and enhanced productivity.
In agriculture nanomaterials could play a greater role in the area of water and nutri-
ent management, delivery of active ingredient, and other areas where traditional
methods have failed to yield the desired results. Genetic engineering which has been
a very popular technique in synthetic biology has also found a place in
17 Application of Nanotechnology in Enhancement of Crop Productivity… 363

nanobiotechnology by way of combining DNA with nanoparticles. Tagging of gold

nanoparticles with DNA acts as a shield against Spodoptera litura Fab. (Lepidoptera:
Noctuidae) (Chakravarthy et al. 2012a, b, c). It is much more potent in comparison
to the either using DNA or gold nanoparticles alone. Combinatorial nanoparticles
are quite frequently used by combining nanoparticles with any other lethal compo-
nent. When drugs like tebufenozide and halofenozide are loaded with nanoparticles
like CdS, nanosilver, and nanotitanium dioxide, they become much potent against
the pests (Chakravarthy et al. 2012a, b, c; Bhattacharyya et al. 2012).
Beside this, little attention has been given on the use of nanotechnology freely
available in nature (Bhattacharyya and Debnath 2008; Ehrlich et al. 2008; Sharon
et al. 2010). For example, honeybees utilize geomagnetic field information for their
orientation, homing, and foraging (Binhi 2004). After different research on insect
species behavior, it was stated that the geomagnetic field of nanomaterial has an
effect on honeybee behavior. This phenomenon demonstrates that biogenic magne-
tite is involved in geomagnetic field, which indicates the presence of natural nano-
materials in insects (Isha et al. 2008; Bhattacharyya et al. 2010). Taking advantage
of this, natural nanomaterials can be produced in huge amount. Such nanomaterials
can be used in agriculture sector, and productivity can be enhanced (Torney 2009).

17.2 Nanoparticles in Boosting Crop Production

There are numerous reports regarding meaningful use of nanoparticles in crop

improvement. Mostly carbon- and metal oxide-based engineered nanoparticles have
been the subject of studies (Nair et al. 2010). One very interesting example is the
tomato seeds in a soil having carbon nanotubes (Torney 2009; Patil 2009).
Khodakovskaya has demonstrated the impact of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in tomato
seeds as their germination efficiencies enhanced to a great extent. These CNTs
could not only penetrate into the hard coat of germinating tomato seeds but also
exerted growth-enhancing effect. The water uptake ability of CNTs helps the seed
germination and growth dramatically (Khodakovskaya et al. 2009). Carbon nano-
tube penetration acts as vehicle to deliver desired molecules into the seeds during
germination and can protect them from different diseases. Carbon nanotubes are not
toxic and do not inhibit or create any adverse effect on agricultural plant, so it can
be used to deliver growth-promoting agents (Khodakovsky et al. 2009). Like CNTs,
TiO2 is another growth stimulator. TiO2 nanoparticles have been shown to be having
positive impact on spinach growth by accelerating Rubisco activase activity and
improving the efficiency of light absorbance (Hong et al. 2005; Yang et al. 2006).
Nanoparticles of TiO2 improved spinach growth by enhancing nitrogen metabolism
(Yang et al. 2007). De Rosa et al. (2010) reported that ZnO nanoparticles negatively
induce seed germination in corn and rye grass. However, these create porous
domains in plant roots, thereby improving the potential nutrient delivery system
which can be explored further (De Rosa et al. 2010). A product by Syngenta is being
used as plant growth regulator; it allows turf grass to withstand against drought,
heat, and disease stress. Usefulness of homeopathy is not confined to humans, but
364 M. Kumar et al.

its benefits are also extended to plants. Nanoformulation of potentized homeopathy

drugs increases the efficacy of these drugs exponentially. For example, a homeopa-
thy nanocompound CCC increases plant growth, cell physiology, chlorophyll, and
water content of the leaves significantly as compared to untreated plants (Sukul
et al. 2009). Silicon NPs are absorbed by plants, and they lead to increased disease
and stress resistance (Datnoff 2004). Aqueous silicate solution plays a crucial role
in agriculture. It shows excellent preventive effects on pathogenic microorganisms
causing powdery mildew or downy mildew in plants. It promotes the physiological
activity and growth of plants and induces disease and stress resistance in plants
(Kanto et al. 2004).
Storage of food grains is as important for food grain production. Therefore pro-
tection of produced grains is quite important. Nanoformulated allelochemicals in
combination with nanoparticles have profound insecticidal activity against stored
grain pests Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The essential oils of
plants are being recognized as effective natural pesticides. Ocimum spp. (tulsi),
which has numerous allelochemicals, has been used in conjunction with copper
nanoparticles in the management of Sitophilus oryzae and has been found to have
tremendous impact on mortality (Chakravarthy et al. 2012a, b, c).

17.3 Use of Nanobiosensor in Pathogen Detection

In agriculture, controlling the pathogen is as important as increasing yield through

introduction of improved stain and other agricultural activities. Any miscalculation
at any stage would lead to severe loss of productivity. Therefore a way of increasing
agricultural productivity is by detecting and destroying these pathogens in early
stage of infection. Biosensor which helps in the detection of pathogen is a compact
analytical device incorporating a biological sensing element. It has physiochemical
transducer and is placed at diseased part of the plants where it senses biological
signal which is converted into electric signal for further analysis. The biosensors are
quite specific and sensitive. Therefore these biosensors give good indication of agri-
cultural field which helps farmers in assessing the levels of pesticides, herbicide,
and heavy metal in soil, groundwater, and other things (Prasad et al. 2014).
Nanobiosensor detection of pathogen is not limited to only the diseased part of the
plant, but it can also sense the airborne pathogens. Nanobiosensor can monitor the
quality of food product and natural resources thereby increasing the farm productiv-
ity in a significant way. The biosensor is to generate an electrical signal which is
proportional in magnitude or frequency to the concentration of the pathogens infect-
ing agricultural food products. This information will lead to introduce quality con-
trol and sustainable agricultural production.
17 Application of Nanotechnology in Enhancement of Crop Productivity… 365

17.4  se of Nanoparticles and Nanoformulations in Plant

U
Disease Management

The main bottleneck in increasing crop yields is plant pest. Conventional pest con-
trol methods encompass use of over-the-counter pesticides in abundant amount
which consequently add an additional cost in crop production. Surplus amount of
pesticides pollutes not only water but also the surrounding environment. There is a
need to use as much as minimum amount of pesticides to save the environment and
degrade the cost in crop production (Sharon et al. 2010). One of the ways of achiev-
ing the target of reducing pesticide dependence is to look for some nontoxic mate-
rial which can act against pests. Nanosilver is highly utilized nanoparticle for
biosystem and strong inhibitory effects on microbes. Nanosilver has a broad spec-
trum of antimicrobial activities which can be used to treat different diseases in agri-
culture field (Bhattacharyya et al. 2016a, b). This nanoparticle has huge surface area
and huge fraction of surface atoms. In comparison with bulk silver, silver nanopar-
ticle has powerful antimicrobial effect. Silver is being used as foliar spray to stop
fungi, molds, rot, and several other microbial-associated plant diseases, and it is
also an excellent plant growth stimulator (Anderson 2009). One of the specific
examples of antifungal effect of nanosilver solution is that it is quite effective
against rose powdery mildew, a common disease of greenhouse as well as outdoor-­
grown roses caused by Sphaerotheca pannosa var. rosae (Kim et al. 2008). Double
capsulized nanosilver which is quite stable and easily diffused in aqueous solution
is made with the help of chemical reaction of silver ion and with addition of physi-
cal method, reducing agent, and stabilizers. It has the ability to remove unwanted
microorganism in planter soil and hydroponics systems. Silver is now accepted as
replacement agrochemical for some antibiotics. Another nanoparticle that is quite
commonly used in agriculture is titanium dioxide which is a nontoxic nanomaterial.
TiO2 is a much more powerful disinfectant in comparison with other common dis-
infectant, and photocatalyst technique of TiO2 is efficient in various agriculture
applications like plant protection. Due to its harmless nature against human and
detrimental against pathogen, efforts are on to increase the phytopathogenic disin-
fection ability of TiO2 thin films by different methods like dye doping (Yao et al.
2009).
Reduction in the amount of pesticide usage can also be achieved by accelerating
the retention time of pesticides with required edge. Application of pesticides in the
very first stage of crop growth is instrumental in decreasing the pest population
below the threshold level, leading to a greater and effective operative control for a
longer period of time. Major chemical companies are now demanding to make poten-
tial pesticides at nanoscale. Nanoencapsulation can be used for the effective delivery
thereby improving the insecticidal worth. Agricultural plants can absorb more pesti-
cides which are nanoencapsulated. In nanoencapsulation methodology the nano-
sized active pesticide is encapsulated by a thin-walled sac or shell (protection layer).
There are different methods of nanoencapsulation, i.e., diffusion, dissolution, bio-
degradation, and osmotic pressure with specific pH (Vidhyalakshmi et al. 2009; Ding
and Shah 2009). The effective line of action in this concern is regulated release of the
366 M. Kumar et al.

active ingredient that would enhance effectiveness manifold and decrease the amount
of pesticide input and its associated environmental hazards. For example, “halloy-
site” (clay nanotubes) have been developed as an effective carriers of pesticides.
These will lead to greater reduction in the required amount of pesticides as having
prolonged release time and better contact or association with plants, minimizing the
cost of pesticides up to a great limit with least deleterious impact on the environment
(Allen 1994). Liu et al. (2006) have reported that porous hollow silica nanoparticles
enclosing validamycin (pesticide) can be a great carrier for the purpose of controlled
release of pesticide. Nano-silica has already been demonstrated beyond reasonable
doubt that it can control agricultural insect pests. Physiosorption is another mode of
action of nano-silica in which it gets absorbed through insect cuticular lipids hence
exterminating insect’s life by physical means (Ulrichs et al. 2005). One of the most
efficient nanomaterials is aluminosilicate nanotube. The aluminosilicate nanotubes
can be an effective carrier for garlic essential oil loaded on nanoparticles which is
detrimental against Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Yang et al. 2009). Aluminosilicate-
filled nanotube can stick to plant surfaces, and nanotubes containing pesticide on
plant surface are taken up by insect hairs (Torney 2009; Patil 2009). Insects consume
pesticide-filled nanotubes and get killed. These materials enter in the body of pests
and affect the physiological functions. They are biologically more active, and in
comparison with others, they are more environment-friendly pesticides. Mesoporous
silica nanoparticles also have another ability to deliver DNA and drugs into plant
which can be used as a very important tool to deliver molecules into plant cells
(Torney et al. 2007).
Commercialization is a quite important aspect for popularizing the technology
among masses. In this sphere many companies have come forward to take the tech-
nology from laboratory to the market. Syngenta has started marketing a nanoencap-
sulated wide spectrum pesticide under the name of Karate® ZEON to regulate insect
pests population of cotton, rice, soya beans, and peanuts. The active pharmaceutical
ingredient of this product is a synthetic insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin which is
released or becomes active when it comes in association with leaves. Another func-
tional nano-insecticide under the name “gutbuster” discharges its contents when
exposed to alkaline environment such as insects stomach (Prasad et al. 2014).

17.5  anoherbicide Usage as an Effective Tool

N
for Controlling the Weed

Weeds are big threats in agriculture; they take up the nutrient meant for the food
crop thereby depriving the food crop of its share. There is no other option except to
erase them. Nanotechnology has potential to get rid of weeds by using nanoherbi-
cides in an eco-friendly way, without leaving any toxic residues in soil and environ-
ment (Pérez-de-Luque and Rubiales 2009). Smart delivery system greatly improves
the delivery of herbicides to the targeted area thereby making it a very potent killer
even in small amount. The nano-size of nanoherbicides offers multiple advantages
over the conventional herbicides because its small size helps in mixing well with
17 Application of Nanotechnology in Enhancement of Crop Productivity… 367

soil particles and kills all weeds which are above the ground. The main lacuna of the
herbicides is that it does not inhibit activity of possible underground ground plant
parts which leads to new weeds in the next season. Specific herbicide along with
nanoparticles targets specific receptors in the roots, and after penetration in the roots
of weeds, it inhibits glycolysis pathway of the weeds which result in the scarcity of
energy-rich ATP molecule, ultimately killing the weeds in one go.
Detoxification of weed residues is of utmost importance as increased usage of
herbicides for longer duration of times results in accumulation of dead leaves in soil
thereby damaging fruit crops (Chinnamuthu and Boopathi 2009). Also incessant and
consistent usage of same herbicide over a period of time leads to development of
weed-resistant strain. It has been reported that carboxymethyl cellulose nanoparticles
have been successfully employed to detoxify herbicide atrazine (Gruère et al. 2011).

17.6 Nanoparticles Production Through Agriculture

Earlier nanoparticles or nanostructured materials were often synthesized by chemi-

cal methods, but these days, these materials are synthesized by plant parts or micro-
bial strains, i.e., green synthesis. The scanning tunneling microscope and atomic
force microscope are used to identify the nanoparticle. Like farming where plants
are used for producing food, nanoparticle farming is also done where plants are
grown in defined soil for production of nanoparticles. As in farming, food grains are
separated after the harvest, and nanoparticles are separated from plant tissues after
the harvest of nanoparticle farming. A number of plants have been used for the syn-
thesis of gold and silver nanoparticles, for example, Solanum indicum, Allium cepa,
and pomegranate (Babu et al. 2013; Ahmad et al. 2013; Parida et al. 2011). The
physical characterstics of the nanoparticles depend on the source of plant used for
their synthesis. Simplicity, low cost, and eco-friendliness are hallmarks of green
synthesis of nanoparticles (Predicala 2009). This methodology opens up challenges
and opportunities in variety of areas including agriculture, food processing, disposal
of wastes, and other related areas (Prasad et al. 2017). The industry-based nanotech-
nology will assist agriculture in numerous ways including in the preparation of
strain-resistant plants, eco-friendly pesticide development, crop yield, and environ-
mental remediation (Barik et al. 2008; Gha-Young et al. 2008; Bhattacharyya 2009;
Sukul et al. 2009; Prasad et al. 2014).

17.7 Conclusion

In the context of exponential increase in the size of population and huge difference
between the availability of land and other available resources and demand, it is quite
imperative to find a long and lasting solution which can be leveraged to satiate the
hunger of ever-growing population. It becomes much more important in light of the
fact that in developing which has higher share of population, raw material is treated
368 M. Kumar et al.

as the most important item for commerce and manufacture (Wheeler 2005). To find
a solution to this complex problem, countries with agriculture as a base will have to
adopt more efficient techniques and sustainable production methods.
In the agriculture sector, nanotechnology will be a great facilitator in designing
the next stage of precision farming techniques, and it will catapult the agriculture
sector to higher yield without disturbing the nature even in the face of looming risk
of climate change and other adversaries (Sugunan and Dutta 2008). Across the
globe several countries have realized the potential of nanotechnology in agricultural
sector, and they are putting a lot of resources in development of the new product
lineup. Development of new technique involving more targeted delivery of nanopes-
ticides on specific host is quite promising. Advancement in this sense might be the
availability of nanostructured catalysts which will elevate the efficiency of pesti-
cides and insecticides and also decrease the dose level required for plants (Joseph
and Morrison 2006). Moreover, engineered nanoparticles, nanofiber, and nanotubes
are able to enter into plant cells and leaves and can transport DNA and chemicals
into plant cells (Torney et al. 2007). Nanoencapsulation method as an effective
delivery vehicle for transporting the DNA and chemicals into plant tissue can be
easily used for the desired purposes. This area of research offers new possibilities in
plant biotechnology to target specific gene manipulation and expression in the spe-
cific cells of the plants. Also several scientists have established a more novel role of
nanoparticles in the field of bioremediation of contaminated environment (Barik
et al. 2008). Nanotechnology has also shown to have an effect on hormone regula-
tion such as auxin (McLamore et al. 2010). The hormone regulation aspect of nano-
technology can be used for the advantage of agriculture. The early embracing of this
technological feat will have major say in ameliorating the worsening condition of
food scarcity of ever-increasing population.
For the successful commercialization and production of technologies, it is a must
that it is accepted by the public at large. The safety of the nanotechnology products
commercially launched will be a major concern area, and safety needs to be judged
before giving necessary regulatory approvals. This becomes much more important
because whatever is launched in food sector will have a direct bearing on human
health and any misgiving about the technology will lead to the rejection of the prod-
uct by public. Carbon-based nanomaterials in various forms like single-walled car-
bon nanotubes, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, bulkyballs, graphene, etc., have
found prominent place in nanobiotechnology applications. An excess use and expo-
sure of these materials might cause environmental concern. So, it is very important
to systematically study the effects in plant. Proper dissemination of advantages and
disadvantages of these products would lead to its greater acceptance by the public
at large. In order to expand the user base of nanotechnology and production of nano-
technology, it is prudent to raise a large group of trained professionals who not only
take the technology to the end user but also assist in its production.

Acknowledgment We sincerely thank DBT, India, for fellowship and Dr. Rakesh Khatri, NCBS,
Bangalore, India for thei valuable suggestions and fruitful discussion on related subject.
17 Application of Nanotechnology in Enhancement of Crop Productivity… 369

References
Ahmad N, Sharma S, Ra R (2013) Rapid green synthesis of silver and gold nano-particles from
pomegranate. Int J Future Biotechnol 2(2):1–11
Ali MA, Rehman I, Iqbal A, Din S, Rao AQ, Latif A, Samiullah TR, Azam S, Husnain T (2014)
Nanotechnology, a new frontier in agriculture. Adv Life Sci 1(3):129–138
Allen R (1994) Agriculture during the industrial revolution. In: The economic history of Britain
since 1700. (3). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp 96–123
Anderson CB (2009) Regulating nanosilver as a pesticide. Environmental Defense Fund, 12 Feb 2009
Babu PJ, Sharma P, Saranya S, Tamuli R, Bora U (2013) Green synthesis and characterization of
biocompatible gold nanoparticles using Solanum indicum fruits. Nanomater Nanotechnol 3:1–7
Barik TK, Sahu B, Swain V (2008) Nanosilica-from medicine to pest control. Parasitol Res
103(2):253–258
Bhattacharyya A (2009) Nanoparticles from drug delivery to insect pest control. Akshar 1(1):1–7
Bhattacharyya A, Debnath N (2008) Nano particles-A futuristic approach in insect population. In:
Proceedings on UGC Sponsored National Seminar on Recent Advances in Genetics and
Molecular Biology, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, 21st and 22nd November, 2008
Bhattacharyya A, Bhaumik A, UshaRani P, Mandal S, Epidi TT (2010) Nanoparticles – a recent
approach to insect pest control. Afr J Biotechnol 9(24):3489–3493
Bhattacharyya A, Nandi M, Bhaumik A, Ghosh M, Prakasham RS, Das SK, Mandal S (2012)
Nano-meso-allelochemicals influence in silk production by Bombyx moro L. In: International
conference on entomology, 17–19 Feb 2012
Bhattacharyya A, Prasad R, Buhroo AA, Duraisamy P, Yousuf I, Umadevi M, Bindhu MR,
Govindarajan M, Khanday AL (2016a) One-pot fabrication and characterization of silver nanopar-
ticles using Solanum lycopersicum: an eco-friendly and potent control tool against rose aphid,
Macrosiphum rosae. J Nanosci 7. Article ID 4679410, 2016. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/4679410
Bhattacharyya A, Duraisamy P, Govindarajan M, Buhroo AA, Prasad R (2016b) Nano-­
biofungicides: emerging trend in insect pest control. In: Prasad R (ed) Advances and applica-
tions through fungal nanobiotechnology. Springer, Cham, pp 307–319
Binhi VN (2004) Stochastic dynamics of magnetic nanoparticles and a mechanism of biological
orientation in the geomagnetic field. arxiv: physics/0412158v1 (physics biol-ph) 27 Dec
Chakravarthy AK, Chandrashekharaiah B, Kandakoor SB, Bhattacharya A, Dhanabala K,
Gurunatha K, Ramesh P (2012a) Bioefficacy of inorganic nanoparticles CdS, nano-Ag and
nano-TiO2 against Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Curr Biotica
6(3):271–281
Chakravarthy AK, Bhattacharya A, Shashank PR, Doddabasappa B, Chandrashekharaiah B, Epidi
TT (2012b) Effect of two ecdysteroid analogues (Tebufenozide – RH 5992 and Halofenozide-
RH 0345) on the development of Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) [Lepidoptera: Pyralidae].
Curr Biotica 6(2):131–140
Chakravarthy AK, Bhattacharyya A, Shashank PR, Epidi TT, Doddabasappa B, Mandal SK
(2012c) DNA-tagged nano gold: a new tool for the control of the armyworm, Spodoptera litura
Fab. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Afr J Biotechnol 11(38):9295–9930
Chinnamuthu C, Boopathi PM (2009) Nanotechnology and agroecosystem. Madras Agric
J 96(1–6):17–31
Datnoff LE (2004, July) Silicon suppresses leaf spotting on bermudagrass. Turfgrass
Trend:58–61
De Rosa MC, Monreal C, Schnitzer M, Walsh R, Sultan Y (2010) Nanotechnology in fertilizers.
Nat Nanotechnol 5(2):91–91
Ding WK, Shah NP (2009) Effect of various encapsulating materials on the stability of probiotic
bacteria. J Food Sci 74(2):M100–M107
Ehrlich H, Janussen D, Simon P, Bazhenov VV, Shapkin NP, Erler C, Mertig M, Born RE,
Heinemann S, Hanke T, Worch H, Vournakis JN (2008) Nanostructural organization of natu-
370 M. Kumar et al.

rally occurring composites-Part II: silica-chitin-based biocomposites. J Nanomater 2008

(2008): 1–8
Gha-Young K, Joonmok S, Min-Su K, Seung-Hyeon M (2008) Preparation of a highly sensitive
enzyme electrode using gold nanoparticles for measurement of pesticides at the ppt level.
J Environ Monit 10:632–637
Gruère G, Narrod C, Abbott L (2011) Agriculture, food, and water nanotechnologies for the poor:
opportunities and constraints policy brief 19. International Food Policy Research Institute,
Washington, DC
Hong F, Zhou J, Liu C, Yang F, Wu C et al (2005) Effect of nano-TiO2 on photochemical reaction
of chloroplasts of spinach. Biol Trace Elem Res 105:269–279
Isha JS, Barkay Z, Eliaz N, Plotkin M, Volynchik S, Bergman DJ (2008) Gravity orientation in
social wasp comb cells (Vespinae) and the possible role of embedded minerals.
Naturwissenschaften 95:333–342
Joseph T, Morrison M (2006) Nanotechnology in agriculture and food. Nanoforum report,
European Nanotechnology Gateway
Kanto T, Miyoshi A, Ogawa T, Maekawa K, Aino M (2004) Suppressive effect of potassium sili-
cate on powdery mildew of strawberry in hydroponics. J Gen Plant Pathol 70:207–211
Khodakovskaya M, Dervishi E, Mahmood M, Xu Y, Li Z et al (2009) Carbon nanotubes are able
to penetrate plant seed coat and dramatically affect seed germination and plant growth. ACS
Nano 3(10):3221–3227
Khodakovsky A, Schroder, P, Sweldens W (2009) Progressive geometry compression. In: Siggraph
(ed) Computer graphics proceedings. ACM Press/Addison Wesley Longman, Reading,
pp 271–278
Kim H, Kang H, Chu G, Byun H (2008) Antifungal effectiveness of nanosilver colloid against rose
powdery mildew in greenhouses. Solid State Phenom 135:15–18
Liu F, Wen L-X, Li Z-Z, Yu W, Sun H-Y et al (2006) Porous hollow silica nanoparticles as con-
trolled delivery system for water-soluble pesticide. Mater Res Bull 41(12):2268–2275
McLamore ES, Diggs A, Marzal PC, Shi J, Blakeslee JJ, Peer WA, Murphy AS, Porterfield DM
(2010) Non-invasive quantification of endogenous root auxin transport using an integrated flux.
Microsensor Technique. doi:10.111/j.1365-313x.2010.04300.x
Nair R, Varghese SH, Nair BG, Maekawa T, Yoshida Y et al (2010) Nanoparticulate material
delivery to plants. Plant Sci 179(3):154–163
Parida UK, Bindhani KB, Nayak P (2011) Green synthesis and characterization of gold nanopar-
ticles using onion (Allium cepa) extract. World J Nano Sci Eng 1:93–98
Patil SA (2009) Economics of agriculture poverty: nano-bio solutions. Indian Agricultural
Research Institute, New Delhi
Pérez-de-Luque A, Rubiales D (2009) Nanotechnology for parasitic plant control. Pest Manag Sci
65(5):540–545
Prasad R, Kumar V, Prasad KS (2014) Nanotechnology in sustainable agriculture: present con-
cerns and future aspects. Afr J Biotechnol 13(6):705–713
Prasad R, Bhattacharyya A, Nguyen QD (2017) Nanotechnology in sustainable agriculture: recent
developments, challenges, and perspectives. Front Microbiol 8:1014. doi:10.3389/
fmicb.2017.01014
Predicala B (2009) Nanotechnology: potential for agriculture. Prairie Swine Centre, University of
Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, pp 123–134
Sharon M, Choudhary AK, Kumar R (2010) Nanotechnology in agricultural diseases and food
safety. J Phytology 2(4):83–92
Sugunan A, Dutta J (2008) Pollution treatment, remediation and sensing. Nanotechnology
2(4):125–146
Sukul NC, Singh RK, Sukul (Chunari) S, Sen P, Bhattacharyya A, Sukul A, Chakrabarty R (2009)
Potentized drugs enhance growth of pigeon pea. Environ Ecol 26(3):1115–1118
Torney F (2009) Nanoparticle mediated plant transformation. Emerging technologies in plant
­science research. Interdepartmental Plant Physiol Major Fall Seminar Series Physics. UBC
Press, Vancouver, p 696
 17 Application of Nanotechnology in Enhancement of Crop Productivity… 371

Torney F, Trewyn B, Lin V, Wang K (2007) Mesoporous silica nanoparticles deliver DNA and
chemicals into plants. Nat Nanotechnol 2:295–300
Ulrichs C, Mewis I, Goswami A (2005) Crop diversification aiming nutritional security in West
Bengal- biotechnology of stinging capsules in nature’s water-blooms. Ann Tech Issue State
Agric Technol Serv Assoc 1–18
Vidhyalakshmi R, Bhakyaraj R, Subhasree RS (2009) Encapsulation the future of probiotics – a
review. Adv Biol Res 3(3–4):96–103
Wheeler S (2005) Factors influencing agricultural professionals’ attitudes towards organic agricul-
ture and biotechnology. ANU, Canber
Yang F, Hong F, You W, Liu C, Gao F et al (2006) Influence of nano-anatase TiO2 on the nitrogen
metabolism of growing spinach. Biol Trace Elem Res 110(2):179–190
Yang F, Liu C, Gao F, Su M, Wu X et al (2007) The improvement of spinach growth by nano-­
anatase TiO2 treatment is related to nitrogen photoreduction. Biol Trace Elem Res
119(1):77–88
Yang FL, Li XG, Zhu F, Lei CL (2009) Structural characterization of nanoparticles loaded with
garlic essential oil and their insecticidal activity against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)
(Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). J Agric Food Chem 57(21):10156–10162
Yao KS, Li SJ, Tzeng KC, Cheng TC, Chang CY et al (2009) Fluorescence silica nanoprobe as a
biomarker for rapid detection of plant pathogens. Adv Mater Res 79–82:513–516

View publication stats