Nanotechnology in Agriculture: Enhancing Seed Quality, Yield and Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Abstract

Applications of nanotechnology have the potential to transform agricultural production by enabling improved conservation and management of plant and animal production inputs. The primary input that determines a crop's productivity is seed. Currently, a team of researchers is focusing on carbon nanotubes and metal oxide nanoparticles to enhance rainfed crop germination. The industrial manufacture of these technological systems and their field use present a number of challenges, such as scale-up, seed priming conditions, and harmful effects on plants and other creatures. Nevertheless, it is evident that the use of nanoparticle systems can change crop management by lowering the amounts of agricultural chemicals like fertilizers, fungicides, insecticides and pesticides used and the dangers of contamination, leading to safer farming methods for farmers, consumers, and the environment. In this case study analysis, the potential processes by which nano-priming triggers breaking seed dormancy, promotes seed germination, and affects the generation of primary and secondary metabolites are described in depth. Furthermore, taking into account their current status and potential future developments, the application of nano-based fertilizers and insecticides as efficient materials in nano-priming and plant growth development was also covered. Nanotechnology is emerging as a transformative technology in agriculture, especially in enhancing seed quality and increasing crop yield. By leveraging nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, metal oxide nanoparticles, and other forms, nanotechnology can revolutionize the way crops are grown, providing solutions for challenges like poor seed germination, resource inefficiency, and environmental degradation. This technological advancement directly aligns with the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to a more sustainable and productive agricultural system. Although the use of nanomaterials can have a positive impact, there are concerns about their potential toxicity.