Analysis of the Beneficial Effects and Application Prospects of GFNs (Graphene Family Nanomaterials) on Plant Growth

Graphene family nanomaterials (GFNs), as a novel class of nanomaterials, demonstrate significant potential in regulating plant growth. Studies indicate that appropriate concentrations of GFNs can enhance seed germination rates through multiple pathways. While reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, GFNs improve crop yield and quality, contributing to the development of innovative agricultural production models and offering new insights for sustainable agriculture. Currently, global agriculture faces substantial challenges, with increasing demands for both high output and superior quality of agricultural products. Although some understanding of GFNs has been achieved, numerous challenges remain in areas such as mechanistic exploration and safety assessment. Existing research struggles to overcome key bottlenecks, hindering further progress in the field. Conducting research on GFNs will enrich the theoretical framework of interdisciplinary studies combining plant nutritional physiology and nano-agriculture, providing a scientific basis for precise regulation of crop growth. It will also offer direction for the development of nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides, promoting the upgrading of agricultural inputs. Furthermore, it will introduce new approaches for rapid propagation of elite crop varieties, facilitating the swift dissemination of high-quality cultivars. These efforts align with contemporary China's goals of developing green and ecological agriculture. This review summarizes domestic and international research progress on the application of graphene in agriculture, including the interaction mechanisms between GFNs and plant growth at physiological, biochemical, molecular, cellular, and environmentally mediated levels. It synthesizes the effects, risks, and optimal application strategies of GFNs in agricultural production, discusses current status and contradictions in plant-related GFN research, and compares the practical efficacy of novel nano-fertilizers with traditional agricultural fertilizers. Finally, it explores future research directions for graphene oxide in agriculture. In addressing global food security, GFNs are poised to enhance crop yield and quality, ensuring food supply. In terms of environmental sustainability, they will continue to play a positive role. Extensive practice has demonstrated the bright prospects of this technology, with GFNs expected to serve as a key supporting technology for smart agriculture and green agriculture.