Applications of nanomaterials in agricultural production and crop protection: A review

Recent manufacturing advancements have led to the fabrication of nanomaterials of different sizes and shapes. These advancements are the base for further engineering to create unique properties targeted toward specific applications. Historically, various fields such as medicine, environmental science, and food processing have employed the successful and safe use of nanomaterials. However, use in agriculture, especially for plant protection and production, is an under-explored area in the research community. Preliminary studies show the potential of nanomaterials in improving seed germination and growth, plant protection, pathogen detection, and pesticide/herbicide residue detection. This review summarizes agricultural applications of nanomaterials and the role these can play in future agricultural production. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.