Nanotechnology and its role in agro-ecosystem: a strategic perspective

The technology based upon the smallest possible particles is known as nanotechnology. It involves the production, manipulation and application of materials ranging in size from less than a micron to that of individual atoms. The reactivity and absorption level of nanomaterial is more than bulk material due to large surface area and high particle number per unit mass. While metal nanoparticles are being increasingly used in many sectors of the economy, there is growing interest to find out the best biological and environmentally safe methods for their production. The basic methods for nanoparticles production are chemical and physical approaches, whereas plant extract and different microorganisms have been actively pursued in recent years as an alternative method. The application of nanotechnology in agriculture system will completely revolutionize it. This technology includes different tools for disease treatment and detection and can be used as sensors, fertilizers and smart delivery system in gene transfer. The other side of this technology cannot be neglected because its application on the large scale has potential adverse effects on biological and other systems. So, the present review gives the whole idea about different approaches of nanoparticles production and its positive and negative repercussions, particularly on agricultural ecosystem. There is also a need to predict its effects on other environmental issues in near future.