Nanotechnology Applications in Rice Pest and Disease Management: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Background: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a critical staple crop supporting global food security, yet production is severely constrained by pests and diseases causing yield losses up to 80%. Conventional chemical control strategies have led to resistance development, environmental contamination, and non-target toxicity. Aims:  This review synthesizes current knowledge on nanotechnology-based solutions for rice pest and disease management, evaluating efficacy, mechanisms, environmental safety, and adoption challenges. Methodology: Comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed articles (2014–2025) covering nanopesticides, nanofungicides, and RNA interference delivery systems for rice protection. Results: Nano-enabled technologies demonstrate superior efficacy at 30–60% lower active ingredient concentrations compared to conventional formulations. Metal oxide nanoparticles exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity through multiple mechanisms including reactive oxygen species generation and membrane disruption. Conclusion: RNA interference delivered via nanocarriers offers species-specific gene silencing for resistance-proof pest management. Nanotechnology represents a transformative approach for sustainable rice protection, though critical challenges remain regarding long-term environmental fate assessment, comprehensive toxicological evaluation, regulatory framework development, production cost reduction, and farmer acceptance. Future research must prioritize mechanistic understanding of nanoparticle-biological interactions, lifecycle assessment, and integration with sustainable agriculture systems.