Nanoparticles have emerged as transformative tools in crop science, offering innovative solutions to mitigate abiotic and biotic stresses, thereby enhancing crop resilience and productivity. This review explores the multifaceted roles of nanoparticles in agriculture, focusing on their ability to improve nutrient uptake efficiency, modulate plant stress responses, and enhance antioxidant defense mechanisms. Nanoparticles such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and silica have demonstrated significant potential in alleviating drought, salinity, heat, and heavy metal stresses. For instance, experimental studies reviewed herein show that zinc oxide nanoparticles can improve drought tolerance in cucumbers by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, while silica nanoparticles effectively reduce bacterial wilt severity in tomatoes by modulating plant defense pathways. Similarly, nanoparticles provide effective control against pests and pathogens through their antimicrobial and herbicidal properties, as evidenced by research where chitosan-silica nanocomposites reduced aphid reproduction in faba beans, and copper oxide nanoparticles suppressed fungal pathogens like Fusarium oxysporum . Their unique physicochemical properties enable precise delivery of bioactive compounds, reducing environmental impact and improving resource use efficiency. Despite their promise, challenges such as environmental safety, regulatory frameworks, and high production costs remain. This paper highlights recent advancements in nanoparticle formulations, delivery systems, and their integration with precision agriculture tools. It also discusses the mechanisms by which nanoparticles interact with plants at cellular and molecular levels, triggering stress-responsive genes and hormonal pathways. By addressing these challenges, the agricultural sector can strengthen its resilience, increase productivity, and foster sustainability, making a significant contribution to achieving global food security.
Mehdizadeh et al. (Sun,) studied this question.