From Detection to Defense: The Role of Nanoparticles in Combating Plant Viruses

Plant viral diseases are considered as one of the major constraints in crop production throughout the world causing large yield losses and posing serious threat to food security particularly under changing climatic conditions. Current management practices, such as vector control and the use of resistant cultivars, often do not provide reliable and durable protection. Nanotechnology has received great attention in recent years as a novel approach to manage plant viral diseases. This review summarises recent advances in nano-based technologies for virus detection and control by nanobiosensors, antiviral nanoparticles and nanocarriers for RNA interference (RNAi). The review further discusses about the possibility of nanoparticle assisted genome editing in creating virus resistant crops. Although these developments are encouraging, their practical application is still limited as a result of concerns about phytotoxicity, environmental safety, bulk manufacture, and regulatory permissions. Overcoming these obstacles will determine the effective use of nanotechnology in crop protection and the development of more sustainable approaches to plant viral disease control.