Significant Roles of Nanomaterials for Enhancing Disease Resistance in Rice: A Review

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple crop for over half of the global population; however, pathogenic infections pose significant threats to its sustainable production. Although chemical pesticides are commonly employed for disease control, their prolonged usage has led to pathogen resistance, reduced effectiveness, and non-target toxicity, rendering them unsustainable for agricultural practices. Nanomaterials (NMs) present a promising alternative due to their small size, tunable release properties, and diverse mechanisms for disease resistance. This review examines how NMs can enhance rice disease management through (1) direct pathogen suppression; (2) the activation of plant defense pathways; (3) the formation of nanoscale barriers on leaves to obstruct pathogens; (4) targeted delivery and controlled release of fungicides; and (5) modulation of the microbiome to bolster resilience. Moreover, we critically analyze the agricultural potential and environmental implications of NMs, develop optimized application strategies, and, for the first time, propose the innovative ‘NMs-Rice-Soil’ Ternary System framework. This groundbreaking approach integrates nanotechnology, plant physiology, and soil ecology. The pioneering framework offers transformative solutions for sustainable crop protection, illustrating how strategically engineered NMs can synergistically enhance rice productivity, grain quality, and global food security through science-based risk management and interdisciplinary innovation.