Biotic and abiotic stress management in agriculture: The transformative role of nanotechnology

Phyto-pathogen interactions significantly affect plant growth, yield, and agricultural productivity. Over recent decades, genetic and molecular studies have unraveled the complexity of plant immune mechanisms, focusing on the interplay between plant pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and microbe- or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs/PAMPs). Pathogen-secreted signaling molecules targeting host immune responses have been shown to activate intricate signaling pathways, offering insights into hierarchical phyto-microbe interactions. Advances in molecular biotechnology, such as nucleic acid products and fluorescence-based mechanisms, have revolutionized our understanding of plant physiology and immune responses. Metal nanoparticles (e.g., silver, gold, copper, and zinc) exhibit unique properties that enhance plant growth, improve immune responses by boosting phytohormones, and ensure food security. Understanding nanoparticle-plant molecular interactions is crucial for optimizing crop productivity and sustainable agriculture. Integrating green chemistry with nanotechnology, including plant-specific peptide sequences and fluorescent dyes on plant surfaces, provides innovative approaches for synthetic immunogen development. Additionally, tools like electronic noses (E-noses) detect volatile organic compounds released by stressed plants, enabling early disease detection and contributing to sustainable plant management. Nanoparticles also improve plant defense mechanisms by enhancing immune responses and supporting growth under stress conditions. The synergistic use of plants and nanoparticles presents a promising strategy to maintain disease control and crop yields. In conclusion, nanoparticles are an attractive approach to mitigate environmental stress and perform additive mechanism with phyto-hormones in defense system.