Nanotechnology in crop protection: Status and future trends

Abstract Crop protection plays a vital role in food production worldwide. Nanotechnologies are increasingly being used to protect traditional crops and to breed new crops with excellent traits. The control of pests, weeds, and diseases as well as crop genetic modifications are currently being improved through nanobiotechnologies such as pollen magnetofection and gene nanocarriers. The knowledge regarding the synthesis of nanomaterials with outstanding properties has substantially improved the traditional management of crop pests, weeds, and diseases. In this chapter, the findings and trends in some of the most thorough and cutting-edge studies published to date will be discussed. Nanotechnologies and nanosciences can be the key to a sustainable future in crop protection, yet they require more in-depth research to assure that their positive impacts on crop growth and pest control are not outweighed by their potential to be harmful to the environment and humans.