Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

A review of the use of engineered nanomaterials to suppress plant disease and enhance crop yield

  • Review
  • Published:
Journal of Nanoparticle Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Nanotechnology has the potential to play a critical role in global food production, food security, and food safety. The applications of nanotechnology in agriculture include fertilizers to increase plant growth and yield, pesticides for pest and disease management, and sensors for monitoring soil quality and plant health. Over the past decade, a number of patents and products incorporating nanomaterials into agricultural practices (e.g., nanopesticides, nanofertilizers, and nanosensors) have been developed. The collective goal of all of these approaches is to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural practices by requiring less input and generating less waste than conventional products and approaches. This review evaluates the current literature on the use of nanoscale nutrients (metals, metal oxides, carbon) to suppress crop disease and subsequently enhance growth and yield. Notably, this enhanced yield may not only be directly linked to the reduced presence of pathogenic organisms, but also to the potential nutritional value of the nanoparticles themselves, especially for the essential micronutrients necessary for host defense. We also posit that these positive effects are likely a result of the greater availability of the nutrients in the “nano” form. Last, we offer comments on the current regulatory perspective for such applications.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ahmad P, Rasool S (2014) Emerging technologies and management of crop stress tolerance: volume 1—biological techniques. Academic Press, San Diego

  • Akbarzadeh A et al (2009) Synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles by tryptophane. Am J Appl Sci 6(4):691–695

    Google Scholar 

  • Alidoust D, Isoda A (2013) Effect of gamma Fe2O3 nanoparticles on photosynthetic characteristic of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.): foliar spray versus soil amendment. Acta Physiol Plant 35(12):3365–3375

    Google Scholar 

  • Almeelbi T, Bezbaruah A (2014) Nanoparticle-sorbed phosphate: iron and phosphate bioavailability studies with Spinacia oleracea and Selenastrum capricornutum. Acs Sustain Chem Eng 2(7):1625–1632

    Google Scholar 

  • AshaRani PV, Mun GLK, Hande MP, Valiyaveettil S (2009) Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of silver nanoparticles in human cells. ACS Nano 3(2):279–290

    Google Scholar 

  • Asli S, Neumann PM (2009) Colloidal suspensions of clay or titanium dioxide nanoparticles can inhibit leaf growth and transpiration via physical effects on root water transport. Plant Cell Environ 32(5):577–584

    Google Scholar 

  • Biswas SK, Mohd NKP, Rajik M (2012) Inductions of defense response in tomato against Fusarium Wilt through inorganic chemicals as inducers. J Plant Pathol Microb 3(4):1–7

    Google Scholar 

  • Bone AJ, Matson CW, Colman BP, Yang X, Meyer JN, Di Giulio RT (2014) Silver nanoparticle toxicity to Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) and Caenorhabditis elegans: a comparison of mesocosm, microcosm and conventional laboratory studies. Environ Toxicol Chem 135:31–36

    Google Scholar 

  • Bukovac MJ, Wittwer SH (1957) Absorption and mobility of foliar applied nutrients. Plant Physiol 32(5):428–435

    Google Scholar 

  • Burman U, Saini M, Praveen-Kumar (2013) Effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on growth and antioxidant system of chickpea seedlings. Toxicol Environ Chem 95(4):605–612

    Google Scholar 

  • Chao S, Choi H (2005) Method for providing enhanced photosynthesis. Jeonju, South Korea

    Google Scholar 

  • Charitidis CA, Georgiou P, Koklioti MA, Trompeta A-F, Markakis V (2014) Manufacturing nanomaterials: from research to industry. Manuf Rev 1(11):1–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen B, Zhou D, Zhu L (2008) Transitional adsorption and partition of nonpolar and polar aromatic contaminants by biochars of pine needles with different pyrolytic temperatures. Environ Sci Technol 42(14):5137–5142

    Google Scholar 

  • Chung H, Son Y, Yoon TK, Kim S, Kim W (2011) The effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on soil microbial activity. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 74(4):569–575

    Google Scholar 

  • Comini E (2013) Integration of metal oxide nanowires in flexible gas sensing devices. Sensors 13(8):10659–10673

    Google Scholar 

  • Cornelis G, Doolette C, Thomas M, McLaughlin MJ, Kirby JK, Beak DG, Chittleborough D (2012) Retention and dissolution of engineered silver nanoparticles in natural soils. Soil Sci Soc Am J 76(3):891–902

    Google Scholar 

  • Corredor E et al (2009) Nanoparticle penetration and transport in living pumpkin plants: in situ subcellular identification. BMC Plant Biol 9(45):1–11

    Google Scholar 

  • Cui H, Zhang P, Gu W, Jiang J (2009) Application of anatasa TiO2 sol derived from peroxotitannic acid in crop diseases control and growth regulation. NSTI-Nanotech 2:286–289

    Google Scholar 

  • Datnoff LE, Rodrigues FA, Seebold KW (2007) Silicon and plant disease. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul

    Google Scholar 

  • De La Torre-Roche R et al (2013) Multiwalled carbon nanotubes and c60 fullerenes differentially impact the accumulation of weathered pesticides in four agricultural plants. Environ Sci Technol 47(21):12539–12547

    Google Scholar 

  • Dimkpa CO, McLean JE, Britt DW, Anderson AJ (2013) Antifungal activity of ZnO nanoparticles and their interactive effect with a biocontrol bacterium on growth antagonism of the plant pathogen Fusarium graminearum. Biometals 26(6):913–924

    Google Scholar 

  • Dookhith M, Linares H (1998) A stabilized oil-in-water emulsion. United States Patent US5206021 A, Apr 27, 1993

  • Duffy B (2007) Zinc and plant disease. In: Mineral nutrition and plant disease. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul

  • Eichert T, Kurtz A, Steiner U, Goldbach HE (2008) Size exclusion limits and lateral heterogeneity of the stomatal foliar uptake pathway for aqueous solutes and water-suspended nanoparticles. Physiol Plant 134(1):151–160

    Google Scholar 

  • Elmer WH, Pignatello JJ (2011) Effect of biochar amendments on mycorrhizal associations and fusarium crown and root rot of asparagus in replant soils. Plant Dis 95(8):960–967

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Temsah YS, Joner EJ (2012) Impact of Fe and Ag nanoparticles on seed germination and differences in bioavailability during exposure in aqueous suspension and soil. Environ Toxicol 27(1):42–49

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans I, Solberg E, Huber DM (2007) Copper and plant disease. Mineral nutrition and plant disease, vol 177. The American Phytopathological Society, St. paul

    Google Scholar 

  • Gajbhiye M, Kesharwani J, Ingle A, Gade A, Rai M (2009) Fungus-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their activity against pathogenic fungi in combination with fluconazole. Nanomed-Nanotechnol 5(4):382–386

    Google Scholar 

  • Ganzleben C, Pels F, Hansen SF, Corden C, Grebot B, Sobey M (2011) Review of environmental legislation for the regulatory control of nanomaterials http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/nanotech/pdf/review_legislation.pdf. Accessed 8 Dec 2015

  • Ghosh M, Bandyopadhyay M, Mukherjee A (2010) Genotoxicity of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles at two trophic levels plant and human lymphocytes. Chemosphere 81(10):1253–1262

    Google Scholar 

  • Giannousi K, Avramidis I, Dendrinou-Samara C (2013) Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of copper based nanoparticles as agrochemicals against Phytophthora infestans. RSC Adv 3(44):21743–21752

    Google Scholar 

  • Gliga AR, Skoglund S, Wallinder IO, Fadeel B, Karlsson HL (2014) Size-dependent cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles in human lung cells: the role of cellular uptake, agglomeration and Ag release. Part Fibre Toxicol 11(11):1–17

    Google Scholar 

  • Gogos A, Knauer K, Bucheli TD (2012) Nanomaterials in plant protection and fertilization: current state, foreseen applications, and research priorities. J Agric Food Chem 60(39):9781–9792

    Google Scholar 

  • Gonzalez-Fernandez R, Prats E, Jorrin-Novo JV (2010) Proteomics of plant pathogenic fungi. J Biomed Biotechnol 2010:1–36

    Google Scholar 

  • Gottschalk F, Sonderer T, Scholz RW, Nowack B (2009) Modeled environmental concentrations of engineered nanomaterials (TiO(2), ZnO, Ag, CNT, fullerenes) for different regions. Environ Sci Technol 43(24):9216–9222

    Google Scholar 

  • Guan HN, Chi DF, Yu JC, Li X (2008) A novel photodegradable insecticide: preparation, characterization and properties evaluation of nano-imidacloprid. Pestic Biochem Phys 92(2):83–91

    Google Scholar 

  • Guzmán MG, Dille J, Godet S (2009) Synthesis of silver nanoparticles by chemical reduction method and their antibacterial activity. Int J Chem Biomol Eng 2(3):104–111

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamdi H, De La Torre-Roche R, Hawthorne J, White JC (2014) Impact of non-functionalized and amino-functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes on pesticide uptake by lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Nanotoxicology. doi:10.3109/17435390.2014.907456

  • Hawthorne J et al (2014) Particle-size dependent accumulation and trophic transfer of cerium oxide through a terrestrial food chain. Environ Sci Technol 48(22):13102–13109

    Google Scholar 

  • He LL, Liu Y, Mustapha A, Lin MS (2011) Antifungal activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles against Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum. Microbiol Res 166(3):207–215

    Google Scholar 

  • Hernandez-Viezcas JA et al (2013) In situ synchrotron X-ray fluorescence mapping and speciation of CeO2 and ZnO nanoparticles in soil cultivated soybean (Glycine max). ACS Nano 7(2):1415–1423

    Google Scholar 

  • Hong J et al (2014) Evidence of translocation and physiological impacts of foliar applied CeO2 nanoparticles on cucumber (Cucumis sativus) plants. Environ Sci Technol 48(8):4376–4385

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu X, Kang J, Lu K, Zhou R, Mu L, Zhou Q (2014) Graphene oxide amplifies the phytotoxicity of arsenic in wheat. Sci Rep 4:1–10

    Google Scholar 

  • Huang L, Li DQ, Lin YJ, Wei M, Evans DG, Duan X (2005) Controllable preparation of nano-MgO and investigation of its bactericidal properties. J Inorg Biochem 99(5):986–993

    Google Scholar 

  • Huber DM, Thompson IA (2007) Nitrogen and plant disease. In: Mineral nutrition and plant disease, vol 31. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul

  • Ishaque M, Schnabel G, Anspaugh DD (2009) Agrochemical formulations comprising a pesticide, an organic UV-photoprotective filter and coated metal-oxide nanoparticles. United States Patent US20110111957 A1, May 12, 2011

  • Jaberzadeh A, Moaveni P, Tohidi Moghadam HR, Zahedi H (2013) Influence of bulk and nanoparticles titanium foliar application on some agronomic traits, seed gluten and starch contents of wheat subjected to water deficit stress. Not Bot Horti Agrobot 41(1):201–207

    Google Scholar 

  • Jayaseelan C et al (2012) Novel microbial route to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles using Aeromonas hydrophila and their activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Spectrochim Acta A 90:78–84

    Google Scholar 

  • Jin L, Son Y, Yoon TK, Kang YJ, Kim W, Chung H (2013) High concentrations of single-walled carbon nanotubes lower soil enzyme activity and microbial biomass. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 88:9–15

    Google Scholar 

  • Jo YK, Kim BH, Jung G (2009) Antifungal activity of silver ions and nanoparticles on phytopathogenic fungi. Plant Dis 93(10):1037–1043

    Google Scholar 

  • Kanhed P et al (2014) In vitro antifungal efficacy of copper nanoparticles against selected crop pathogenic fungi. Mater Lett 115:13–17

    Google Scholar 

  • Khodakovskaya MV et al (2011) Complex genetic, photothermal, and photoacoustic analysis of nanoparticle-plant interactions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 108(3):1028–1033

    Google Scholar 

  • Khodakovskaya MV, de Silva K, Biris AS, Dervishi E, Villagarcia H (2012) Carbon nanotubes induce growth enhancement of tobacco cells. ACS Nano 6(3):2128–2135

    Google Scholar 

  • Khodakovskaya MV, Kim BS, Kim JN, Alimohammadi M, Dervishi E, Mustafa T, Cernigla CE (2013) Carbon nanotubes as plant growth regulators: effects on tomato growth, reproductive system, and soil microbial community. Small 9(1):115–123

    Google Scholar 

  • Khot LR, Sankaran S, Maja JM, Ehsani R, Schuster EW (2012) Applications of nanomaterials in agricultural production and crop protection: a review. Crop Prot 35:64–70

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim H, Kang H, Chu G, Byun H (2008) Antifungal effectiveness of nanosilver colloid against rose powdery mildew in greenhouses. Solid State Phenom 135:15–18

    Google Scholar 

  • Kole C et al (2013) Nanobiotechnology can boost crop production and quality: first evidence from increased plant biomass, fruit yield and phytomedicine content in bitter melon (Momordica charantia). BMC Biotechnol 13(37):1–10

    Google Scholar 

  • Lahiani MH, Dervishi E, Chen JH, Nima Z, Gaume A, Biris AS, Khodakovskaya MV (2013) Impact of carbon nanotube exposure to seeds of valuable crops. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 5(16):7965–7973

    Google Scholar 

  • Lai LK, Zhang YG (2011) The production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from fructose in isopropyl alcohol: a green and efficient system. Chemsuschem 4(12):1745–1748

    Google Scholar 

  • Lamsal K, Kim SW, Jung JH, Kim YS, Kim KS, Lee YS (2011a) Application of silver nanoparticles for the control of Colletotrichum species in vitro and pepper anthracnose disease in field. Mycobiology 39(3):194–199

    Google Scholar 

  • Lamsal K, Kim SW, Jung JH, Kim YS, Kim KS, Lee YS (2011b) Inhibition effects of silver nanoparticles against powdery mildews on cucumber and pumpkin. Mycobiology 39(1):26–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Larue C et al (2014) Foliar exposure of the crop Lactuca sativa to silver nanoparticles: evidence for internalization and changes in Ag speciation. J Hazard Mater 264:98–106

    Google Scholar 

  • Levard C, Hotze EM, Lowry GV, Brown GE (2012) Environmental transformations of silver nanoparticles: impact on stability and toxicity. Environ Sci Technol 46(13):6900–6914

    Google Scholar 

  • Linglan M, Chao L, Chunxiang Q, Sitao Y, Jie L, Fengqing G, Fashui H (2008) Rubisco activase mRNA expression in spinach: modulation by nanoanatase treatment. Biol Trace Elem Res 122(2):168–178

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu R, Lal R (2014) Synthetic apatite nanoparticles as a phosphorus fertilizer for soybean (Glycine max). Sci Rep 4(5686):1–6

    Google Scholar 

  • Lu C, Zhang C, Wen J, Wu G, Tao M (2002) Research of the effect of nanometer materials on germination and growth enhancement of Glycine max and its mechanism. Soybean Sci 21(3):168–171

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma XM, Wang C (2010) Fullerene nanoparticles affect the fate and uptake of trichloroethylene in phytoremediation systems. Environ Eng Sci 27(11):989–992

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma XM, Geiser-Lee J, Deng Y, Kolmakov A (2010) Interactions between engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) and plants: phytotoxicity, uptake and accumulation. Sci Total Environ 408(16):3053–3061

    Google Scholar 

  • Miralles P, Church TL, Harris AT (2012) Toxicity, uptake, and translocation of engineered nanomaterials in vascular plants. Environ Sci Technol 46(17):9224–9239

    Google Scholar 

  • Mittal AK, Chisti Y, Banerjee UC (2013) Synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using plant extracts. Biotechnol Adv 31(2):346–356

    Google Scholar 

  • Mohamadipoor R, Sedaghathoor S, Khomami AM (2013) Effect of application of iron fertilizers in two methods ‘foliar and soil application’ on growth characteristics of Spathyphyllum illusion. Eur J Exp Biol 3 (1):232–239

  • Mueller NC, Nowack B (2008) Exposure modeling of engineered nanoparticles in the environment. Environ Sci Technol 42(12):4447–4453

    Google Scholar 

  • Naderi MR, Danesh-Shahraki A (2013) Nanofertilizers and their roles in sustainable agriculture. Int J Agric Crop Sci 5(19):2229–2232

    Google Scholar 

  • Navarro E et al (2008) Environmental behavior and ecotoxicity of engineered nanoparticles to algae, plants, and fungi. Ecotoxicology 17(5):372–386

    Google Scholar 

  • Nekrasova GF, Ushakova OS, Ermakov AE, Uimin MA, Byzov IV (2011) Effects of copper(II) ions and copper oxide nanoparticles on Elodea densa Planch. Russ J Ecol 42(6):458–463

    Google Scholar 

  • Ocsoy I, Paret ML, Ocsoy MA, Kunwar S, Chen T, You M, Tan W (2013) Nanotechnology in plant disease management: DNA-directed silver nanoparticles on graphene oxide as an antibacterial against Xanthomonas perforans. ACS Nano 7(10):8972–8980

    Google Scholar 

  • Paret M, Palmateer A, Knox G (2013a) Evaluation of a light-activated nanoparticle formulation of TiO2/Zn for management of bacterial leaf spot on Rosa ‘Noare’. HortScience 48(2):189–192

    Google Scholar 

  • Paret ML, Vallad GE, Averett DR, Jones JB, Olson SM (2013b) Photocatalysis: effect of light-activated nanoscale formulations of TiO2 on Xanthomonas perforans and control of bacterial spot of tomato. Phytopathology 103(3):228–236

    Google Scholar 

  • Patel N, Desa P, Pael N, Jha A, Gautam HK (2014) Agronatechlogy for plant fungal disease management: a review. Int J Cur Micobl Ap Sci 3(10):71–84

  • Petersen EJ et al (2014) Identification and avoidance of potential artifacts and misinterpretations in nanomaterial ecotoxicity measurements. Environ Sci Technol 48(8):4226–4246

    Google Scholar 

  • Pradhan S et al (2013) Photochemical modulation of biosafe manganese nanoparticles on Vigna radiata: a detailed molecular, biochemical, and biophysical study. Environ Sci Technol 47(22):13122–13131

    Google Scholar 

  • Pradhan S et al (2014) Manganese nanoparticles: impact on non-nodulated plant as a potent enhancer in nitrogen metabolism and toxicity study both in vivo and in vitro. J Agric Food Chem 62(35):8777–8785

    Google Scholar 

  • Prasad TNVKV et al (2012) Effect of nanoscale zinc oxide particles on the germination, growth and yield of peanut. J Plant Nutr 35(6):905–927

    Google Scholar 

  • Priester JH et al (2012) Soybean susceptibility to manufactured nanomaterials with evidence for food quality and soil fertility interruption. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 109(37):14734–14735

    Google Scholar 

  • Rai MK, Deshmukh SD, Ingle AP, Gade AK (2012) Silver nanoparticles: the powerful nanoweapon against multidrug-resistant bacteria. J Appl Microbiol 112(5):841–852

    Google Scholar 

  • Raliya R, Tarafdar JC (2013) ZnO nanoparticle biosynthesis and its effect on phosphorous-mobilizing enzyme secretion and gum contents in Clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.). Agric Res 2(1):48–57

    Google Scholar 

  • Ram Prasad VK, Prasad Kumar Suranjit (2014) Nanotechnology in sustainable agriculture: present concerns and future aspects. Afr J Biotechnol 13(6):706–713

    Google Scholar 

  • Rico CM, Majumdar S, Duarte-Gardea M, Peralta-Videa JR, Gardea-Torresdey JL (2011) Interaction of nanoparticles with edible plants and their possible implications in the food chain. J Agric Food Chem 59(8):3485–3498

    Google Scholar 

  • Rispail N et al (2014) Quantum dot and superparamagnetic nanoparticle interaction with pathogenic fungi: internalization and toxicity profile. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 6(12):9100–9110

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodrigues DF, Jaisi DP, Elimelech M (2013) Toxicity of functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes on soil microbial communities: implications for nutrient cycling in soil. Environ Sci Technol 47(1):625–633

    Google Scholar 

  • Römheld VMH (1991) Function of micronutrients in plants. Soil Science Society of America, Madison

    Google Scholar 

  • Schonherr J (2006) Characterization of aqueous pores in plant cuticles and permeation of ionic solutes. J Exp Bot 57(11):2471–2491

    Google Scholar 

  • Shew HD, Fichtner EJ, Benson DM (2007) Aluminum and plant disease. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul

    Google Scholar 

  • Shrestha B, Acosta-Martinez V, Cox SB, Green MJ, Li S, Canas-Carrell JE (2013) An evaluation of the impact of multiwalled carbon nanotubes on soil microbial community structure and functioning. J Hazard Mater 261:188–197

    Google Scholar 

  • Sims JT (1986) Soil pH effects on the distribution and plant availability of manganese, copper, and zinc. Soil Sci Soc Am J 50:367–373

    Google Scholar 

  • Sonkar SK, Roy M, Babar DG, Sarkar S (2012) Water soluble carbon nano-onions from wood wool as growth promoters for gram plants. Nanoscale 4(24):7670–7675

    Google Scholar 

  • Stampoulis D, Sinha SK, White JC (2009) Assay-dependent phytotoxicity of nanoparticles to plants. Environ Sci Technol 43(24):9473–9479

    Google Scholar 

  • Suppan S (2013) Nanomaterials in soil. Our future food chain?. Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Minneapolis

    Google Scholar 

  • Swihart MT (2003) Vapor-phase synthesis of nanoparticles. Curr Opin Colloid Interfaces Sci 8(1):127–133

    Google Scholar 

  • Tarafdar JC, Raliya R, Mahawar H, Rathore I (2014) Development of zinc nanofertilizer to enhance crop production in pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum). Agric Res 3(3):257–262

    Google Scholar 

  • Thalmann B, Voegelin A, Sinnet B, Morgenroth E, Kaegi R (2014) Sulfidation kinetics of silver nanoparticles reacted with metal sulfides. Environ Sci Technol 48(9):4885–4892

    Google Scholar 

  • Tian YA, Gao B, Silvera-Batista C, Ziegler KJ (2010) Transport of engineered nanoparticles in saturated porous media. J Nanopart Res 12(7):2371–2380

    Google Scholar 

  • Tolaymat TM, El Badawy AM, Genaidy A, Scheckel KG, Luxton TP, Suidan M (2010) An evidence-based environmental perspective of manufactured silver nanoparticle in syntheses and applications: a systematic review and critical appraisal of peer-reviewed scientific papers. Sci Total Environ 408(5):999–1006

    Google Scholar 

  • Tripathi S, Sarkar S (2014) Influence of water soluble carbon dots on the growth of wheat plant. Appl Nanosci. doi:10.1007/s13204-014-0355-9

  • Tripathi S, Sonkar SK, Sarkar S (2011) Growth stimulation of gram (Cicer arietinum) plant by water soluble carbon nanotubes. Nanoscale 3(3):1176–1181

    Google Scholar 

  • Vrček IV, Petlevski IZR, Pavičić I, Sikirić MD, Ćurlin M, Goessler W (2014) Comparison of in vitro toxicity of silver ions and silver nanoparticles on human hepatoma cells. Environ Toxicol: 1–14

  • Wang Z, Xie X, Zhao J, Liu X, Feng W, White JC, Xing B (2012) Xylem-and phloem-based transport of CuO nanoparticles in maize (Zea mays L.). Environ Sci Technol 46(8):4434–4441

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang WN, Tarafdar JC, Biswas P (2013) Nanoparticle synthesis and delivery by an aerosol route for watermelon plant foliar uptake. J Nanopart Res 15(1):1–13

    Google Scholar 

  • Wani AH, Shah MA (2012) A unique and profound effect of MgO and ZnO nanoparticles on some plant pathogenic fungi. J App Pharm Sci 2(3):40–44

    Google Scholar 

  • Watson JL, Fang T, Dimpka CO, Britt DW, McLean JE, Jacobson A, Anderson AJ (2015) The phytotoxicity of ZnO nanoparticles on wheat varies with soil properties. Biometals 28(1):101–112

  • Yang F et al (2007) The improvement of spinach growth by nano-anatase TiO2 treatment is related to nitrogen photoreduction. Biol Trace Elem Res 119(1):77–88

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang K, Lin D, Xing B (2009) Interactions of humic acid with nanosized inorganic oxides. Langmuir 25(6):3571–3576

    Google Scholar 

  • Yin L et al (2011) More than the ions: the effects of silver nanoparticles on Lolium multiflorum. Environ Sci Technol 45(6):2360–2367

    Google Scholar 

  • Zheng L, Hong FS, Lu SP, Liu C (2005) Effect of nano-TiO2 on strength of naturally and growth aged seeds of spinach. Biol Trace Elem Res 104(1):83–91

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the Virtual Fertilizer Research Center for funding and support, as well as USDA-AFRI (#2011-67006-30181).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA

    Alia Servin, Wade Elmer, Arnab Mukherjee, Roberto De la Torre-Roche & Jason C. White

  2. Water Research and Technology Center, University of Carthage, 8020, Soliman, Tunisia

    Helmi Hamdi

  3. Virtual Fertilizer Research Center, 1901 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC, 20006, USA

    Prem Bindraban & Christian Dimkpa

Authors
  1. Alia Servin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Wade Elmer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Arnab Mukherjee
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Roberto De la Torre-Roche
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Helmi Hamdi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Jason C. White
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Prem Bindraban
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Christian Dimkpa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jason C. White.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Servin, A., Elmer, W., Mukherjee, A. et al. A review of the use of engineered nanomaterials to suppress plant disease and enhance crop yield. J Nanopart Res 17, 92 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-015-2907-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-015-2907-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation