Review of Russian Nanoagents for Crops Treatment

This review presents an analysis of nanoagents developed in research and academic institutions of Russia which are used as aqueous suspensions and colloidal solutions containing nanoparticles of metals (Fe, Cu, Co, and Ag) and nonmetals (phosphorus, silicon, selenium, and bischofite) ranging in size from 1 to 100 nm. The main method of seed treatment is soaking. As a rule, treatment with nanoagents has a positive effect on germination and yield. Cereals were used as the main experimental crops. The review summarizes results from the treatment of vegetables and oilseed crops. The yield increase ranged from 0.4 to 45 metric centner per hectare; the seed germination rate increased in the range of 10-20%. After treatment with nanoagents, some improvements in the biochemical composition of crops are observed.