Nanomaterials for Sustainable Pest and Disease Management in Agriculture
Ayesha Shafqat, Arshad Rasool, Rabia Fatima, Muhammad Majeed, K. Rahman, Altaf Hussain Narejo, Muhammad Ishtiaq, Shazia Kousar, Afshan Farid
Abstract
The escalating challenges in global agriculture necessitate the exploration of environmentally sustainable alternatives for pest and disease management. Nanomaterials, characterized by their unique properties at the nanoscale, offer a promising avenue for addressing these challenges in a sustainable manner. This chapter reviews recent developments in the application of nanomaterials for sustainable pest and disease management in agriculture. The authors examine the diverse range of nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, nanocomposites, and nanostructured coatings, and their efficacy against various agricultural pests and pathogens. Nanomaterials demonstrate targeted delivery mechanisms, increased stability, and prolonged effectiveness, minimizing the ecological impact associated with conventional agrochemicals. Consideration is given to the interactions between nanomaterials and plants, as well as their effects on soil microbiota, to assess their overall impact on ecosystem health.