title: Nanotechnology: A New Opportunity in Plant Sciences.
abstract: The agronomic application of nanotechnology in plants (phytonanotechnology) has the potential to alter conventional plant production systems, allowing for the controlled release of agrochemicals (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides) and target-specific delivery of biomolecules (e.g., nucleotides, proteins, and activators). An improved understanding of the interactions between nanoparticles (NPs) and plant responses, including their uptake, localization, and activity, could revolutionize crop production through increased disease resistance, nutrient utilization, and crop yield. Herewith, we review potential applications of phytonanotechnology and the key processes involved in the delivery of NPs to plants. To ensure both the safe use and social acceptance of phytonanotechnology, the adverse effects, including the risks associated with the transfer of NPs through the food chain, are discussed.
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; The University of Queensland, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia. Electronic address: p.wang3@uq.edu.au.
authors.forename: Peng
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, 5095, Australia.
authors.forename: Enzo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lombi
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
authors.forename: Fang-Jie
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.affiliation: The University of Queensland, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
authors.forename: Peter M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Kopittke
mesh_terms: D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*
keywords: agriculture nanotechnology; nanoparticles; plant biotechnology; plant nanotoxicology