Nanotechnology Interventions for Improved Pesticide and Fertilizer Delivery

Although agriculture relies on pesticides and fertilizer applications, their excessive usage often leads to environmental pollution, biodiversity loss, and the upsurge of insect pests and fungal pathogens. Nanotechnology, by virtue of its nanomaterial-related properties, can contribute to the controlled delivery and release of agrochemicals for the mitigation of these problems. In addition, nano-scale pesticides and fertilizers can promote improved efficacy and lower the toxicity of agrochemicals. Since the last decade, nanotechnology applications for plant and soil improvement have demonstrated that nanomaterials have potential for agri-biotechnological applications. The translation of these benefits can provide the required boost to agriculture. An understanding of the regulatory requirements will further assist the development of nano-scale pesticides and fertilizers for sustainable agriculture.