Nanoparticles: a safe way towards fungal diseases
Muhammad Atiq, Isra Naeem, Shahbaz Talib Sahi, Nasir Ahmed Rajput, Ehsan Haider, Muhammad Usman, Hamza Shahbaz, Kiran Fatima, Ehtsham Arif, Abdul Qayyum
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrate an increasing number of virulent fungal diseases in plants resulting in economic losses. Several techniques are being used for the rapid recognition and control of fungal pathogens. Applications of different chemical fungicides are not an eco-friendly approach towards fungal diseases as it causes environmental pollution and have health hazard effects on human beings. “Bionanotechnology” offers an efficient, eco-friendly alternative source for the proper management of fungal pathogens in the agriculture. Plant-based nanotechnology is an advanced method, which certainly open new era in the field of agriculture to overcome such problems. Interestingly, in comparison to traditional fungicides, recent studies using the nanoparticles based on phyto-extracts because of their reducing ability and anti-microbial activities presented successful outcomes. Nanoparticles, despite, improving the plant health, also meet the increasing demand for high yield in agriculture. This review is mainly focused on the limitations of chemicals and potential of different strategies for the management of fungal diseases through nanoparticles.