Nano-Omics Approaches for Studying Plant Growth, Yield, and Nutritional Value

Introduction

As the world's population continues to grow, the pressure on the agriculture sector to produce enough food while maintaining crop growth, yield, and nutritional quality is increasing (Fischer R A et al., 2018). Unfortunately, environmental changes have made it challenging to meet these goals (Steiner A et al., 2020; Singh et al., 2022). In response, many advanced techniques have been developed to address these challenges, such as breeding techniques, upgraded fertilizers, precision farming, and nano-technology (Usman M et al., 2020). Among these techniques, nano-omics stands out as the most advanced technology, offering new tools and materials on a nanoscale that advance crop productivity and sustainability. By using particles and materials that are incredibly small, nano-omics enables the precision delivery of nutrients, pesticides, and genetic materials to plants, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact (Pandohee J et al., 2023).

The application of nanotechnology in agriculture involves using nanomaterials to enhance various aspects of crop production, resource management, and crop protection (Singh et al., 2023a). These nanomaterials have unique properties that make them useful for agriculture, such as increased surface area and reactivity (Liu C et al., 2021). Nanotechnology can be used to create precise solutions that address long-standing agricultural problems, promoting sustainable farming practices (Singh et al., 2023b). For example, nano-fertilizers and smart delivery systems can improve nutrient management, while nano-enabled sensors and monitoring devices can provide real-time data on soil health, crop growth, and environmental factors (Shafi A et al., 2020). Nanotechnology has also led to transformative innovations in crop protection and pest management, such as nano-based pesticides, insecticides, and antimicrobial agents that offer targeted delivery and reduced ecological impact (Ghouri M Z et al., 2020).

Additionally, nanotechnology can enhance crop resilience against abiotic stresses like drought or salinity, through the development of stress-tolerant materials and precision delivery systems (Afzal S et al., 2022). Bio-engineered nanoparticles (NPs) emerged as an apparent perspective that elicits the immunity of plants by scavenging the reactive oxygen species (ROS) (Singh et al., 2023c). Finally, nanotechnology plays a role in improving the nutritional quality of crops, such as through nano-fortification and biofortification techniques that enhance the bioavailability of essential nutrients in food crops. It has emerged as a promising tool for addressing various challenges in agriculture, including crop production, resource management, and crop protection (Singh et al., 2023d). However, its integration raises concerns about safety, environmental impact, and ethical considerations. To ensure safe, sustainable, responsible deployment, safety assessments, and regulatory oversight are necessary (Ditta, A et al., 2015).

Finally, nano omics, the study of the interactions between nanoparticles and biological systems at the molecular level, is crucial for understanding the impact of nanotechnology on plant metabolism, gene expression, and protein synthesis, and ensuring its safe and sustainable application in agriculture (Majumdar S et al., 2021). While the integration of nanotechnology in agriculture raises concerns, its potential to transform farming practices and ensure global food security and sustainability cannot be denied. Responsible deployment, safety assessments, and regulatory oversight are essential to harness the full potential of nanotechnology while minimizing its potential risks (Hull M et al., 2018).