Metal-and Metalloid-Based Nanofertilizers and Nanopesticides for Advanced Agriculture

Abstract

Globally, huge crop yield losses are observed due to soil degradation accompanied by insufficient nutrient content needed for healthy plant development and growth. Therefore, soil or foliar applications of essential metal micronutrients to plants in formulations providing their sustained and controlled release for a longer period are desirable. On the other hand, zeolites, nanoclays, or montmorillonite with unique pore structures of molecular dimensions can serve as an excellent carrier for enriching soils with macroelements when used as slow-release fertilizers. Even nutripriming using solutions containing nanoparticles of essential metals results in a significant improvement in plant growth and, like fertilization, can contribute to the biofortification of crops with essential metals. However, massive yield losses are also caused by harmful pests, and therefore metal- and metalloid-based NPs with a strong ability to generate oxidative stress are frequently used in plant protection as insecticides or as effective agents against a wide range of phytopathogens. In contrast to many synthetic pesticides, the use of such inorganic nanoparticles does not induce the development of resistance in treated insects and harmful phytopathogens and, in addition, also has a beneficial effect on plants attacked with insects or infected with phytopathogens. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the findings on metal- and metalloid-based nanoparticles/nanocomposites used as nanopriming agents, nanofertilizers, nanoinsecticides, and nanosized agents against viral, bacterial, and fungal phytopathogens, including the corresponding mechanism of action. In addition, slow-release fertilizers using zeolites, nanoclays, or montmorillonite as carriers of macronutrients are discussed as well.