Methods of using nanoparticles

Abstract

Though moderate, the advances of nanotechnology in the field of plant sciences have been steadily making its mark as a technology to reckon with. Unlike in electronics, energy harvesting, or medical sciences where nanotechnology has initiated a revolution of events, the effects on plants and related disciplines have been limited, to say the least. Though reasons can be stacked up in this regard, the major concern remains as to how this technology should be employed. The ambassadors of this technology, the various nanomaterials currently available, pose a peculiar problem of the modes in which they should be allowed to interact with the plant species and their microenvironment. Problems associated with the toxicity, bioavailability, and consequential effects depend primarily on the methods employed for the administration of these nanomaterials. The mode of nanomaterial administration decides to a large extent how and where they will interact with the plants and their subsequent fate. This chapter deals with the diverse methods adopted by researchers over the years in their pursuit to develop efficient and reliable ways in which the nanomaterials can be delivered to the plant system to assess their beneficial or detrimental effects thereof.