Expanding the horizons of nanotechnology in agriculture: recent advances, challenges and future perspectives

The speedy progress towards the utilization of nanomaterials (NMs) is being extensively carried out in the fields of agriculture and food industry due to their varied properties. In recent years, a number of studies have been accomplished to interrogate intricate mechanism by which nanoparticles (NPs) influence plant growth, metabolism and development. Both positive and negative impacts of NMs on the growth of plant at various developmental stages are well documented. The effect of NMs on plant growth and development differ greatly depending on the concentration, composition, size and various important physicochemical properties of NMs. Synthesis as well as utilization of nano-fertilizers is one of the promising approaches regarding significant enhancement in the agricultural yield across the world. Application of biosynthesized NMs in the field of agriculture has progressed in sustainable development. The biological synthesis of NMs consisting of natural reducing agents without the use of toxic chemicals and the consumption of high energy has attracted the focus of scientists towards biological methods. This review summarizes the application of NMs on plant growth and development, uptake and translocation of NMs within plant tissues. This evaluation also attempts to examine the biological synthesis of NMs and their antimicrobial activity as well as their roles in agricultural sector could prove to be a boon for the society in the coming future. © 2020, Society for Plant Research.