Foliar uptake and translocation of nanoparticles in the plants: a review

Abstract

In recent decades, nanoparticles have been successfully employed in various fields and have gained more interest in agricultural nanotechnology. One of the fundamental issues in the development of nanotechnology is the interaction between nanoparticles and plants as they are inevitably exposed to the environment. Foliar application of nanoparticles has proven benefits over the conventional method of soil application. Even though hundreds of studies have been conducted on nanoparticle absorption, translocation, accumulation, phytotoxicity, and even transmission down the food chain by plants, there are still some significant issues in the field of nanoparticle-plant interactions. Herein, we reviewed several factors like size and dose, categories of nanoparticles, that govern the effect of nanoparticles in plants, and their uptake and translocation mechanisms. Specifically, the foliar application of nanoparticles using nanofertilizers, nanoinsecticides, nanopesticides, nanoherbicides, and in plant disease management are discussed briefly. This information holds a clear understanding of the uptake, translocation, and accumulation of nanoparticles in plants useful for significant learning about the toxicity caused by the excessive dosage of nanoparticles. The internal and external factors that impact the absorption of foliar-applied nanoparticles are also emphasized in detail, especially environmental factors like humidity and temperature, which significantly influence nanoparticle adhesion and absorption in plant leaves. The advantage of nanoparticles foliar spraying over conventional methods, with their positive response to crop growth, is discussed. This review is intended to provide enough knowledge on nano-foliar spraying and insights into future perspectives to use this novel technology more safely for the improvement of crops.

Topics & Concepts