The purpose of this study is to inform scholars in the aforementioned fields on the state of the art in seed nano-priming methods and the ongoing research that is shaping sustainable agricultural practices for the modern day. As things are, agriculture is hampered by a number of abiotic and variables that reduce yields. These stressors on crops are made worse by a lack of freshwater supplies, changes in the climate, and the inefficiency of currently available agrochemicals. The agricultural sector has recently shown an interest in nanomaterials such carbon tubes, nanofiber, and nanoparticles. Coating the nanoparticle with the target substance before releasing it into the surrounding soil or plant increases absorption of the target substance relative to the non-engineered nanomaterial. In order to strike an evolving equilibrium between agricultural output and environmental sustainability, nanotechnology undoubtedly offers a fresh platform. Nano-priming may also be utilized for targeted biofortification of seeds, which can improve crop yields and food quality.
TopIntroduction
One of the greatest difficulties of our time will be to provide food for the whole world's population in a way that is both safe and sustainable (Willett et al., 2019). With the global population expected to hit 8.5 billion in 2030, the UN estimates that 50 percent more food would be needed to fulfil the rising demand (Organization, 2020). It's an endless process of rising fertilizer use and pollution because of inefficient application (Teh et al., 2016). Grain quality and production are diminished by diseases spread by bacteria, fungus, pests, and viruses (Haggag et al., 2015). Plant development is stunted by a variety of abiotic stress situations caused by both natural and human-made factors (Hussain et al., 2019). To solve this agricultural problem, we need cutting-edge technology that is both effective and environmentally friendly(Majeed, Bhatti, & Amjad, 2021).
Population projections indicate that by 2050, the world's population will have increased to over 9.6 billion. So, in order to sustain the expanding population, we must see a 70-100% increase in agricultural output (Oweis, 2018). Currently, agriculture uses around 70% of the world's freshwater, but that number is expected to rise to 83% by 2050 as food production tries to keep up with rising demand (Rosegrant et al., 2009). Crop losses due to salinity and drought amount to billions of dollars per year. The usage of agrochemicals has become more important in today's farming practices.
The yearly application of 2.5 million tons of pesticides is ineffective due to loss to the air and runoff (Poudel et al., 2020). Heavy-metals pollution is a global issue that threatens ecosystems, agricultural output, and human health. About 70% most HMs and related amalgams that reach the human body are ingested, according to reports (Filipoiu et al., 2022). Additionally, the pH, salinity, and fertility of agricultural soil are all negatively affected by the persistent discharge of metallic waste material. Crop productivity and food security have been further hampered by the deterioration brought on by the world's changing climate (Adugna, 2016; Ukwattage et al., 2013). These environmental limitations have a greater impact on plants during their early developmental phases, like seed germination with seedling development, and so result in slower development and lower yields overall (Veneklaas et al., 2012). Sustainable crop production and increased harvest yields need cutting-edge technology in today's agriculture(Majeed et al., 2022). The agricultural sector is vital to emerging economies and the provision of food for the world's rapidly expanding population of over 7.5 billion (Wright, 2014). Ninety percent of all food crops begin as seeds, making seed a crucial component of agricultural sustainability (Itelima et al., 2018). A strong agro seed will result in a crop that is more likely to germinate and grow into a strong plant. Seed germination, seedling growth, and final crop output may all be negatively impacted by a number of current environmental circumstances such as drought, salinity, heavy metal deposition in soil, climate change (Singh et al., 2022). Seed-borne illnesses or the destruction of seeds by bugs and other pests may also lower their quality (Ain et al., 2023; Pandey et al., 2018). This review summarizes that, the use of nanotechnology to prime crops for optimal growth and harvest is a relatively new idea in sustainable agriculture. Coating seeds with nanomaterials like nanoparticles and nanotubes is a step in the process. To guarantee the safe and responsible application of this technology in agriculture, extensive testing and regulation are necessary.