2017a; Kaur et al. 2019). Traditional laboratory techniques used for pest diagnosis
are time consuming, labor intensive, and require complex sample handling. The
sensitive nature of functionalized nanoparticles can be used to design phytopathogen
detection devices with smart sensing capabilities for field use (Kashyap et al. 2017).
Singh et al. (2010) used nanogold-based immunosensors that could detect Karnal
bunt disease in wheat (Tilletia indica) using surface plasmon resonance. Gold
nanoparticles have been used in biosensors due to ease in alternation of optical or
electrochemical procedures to identify pathogens (Thaxton et al. 2006; Kashyap
et al. 2019).
5.7 Controlled and Targeted Release of Fertilizers
Nanofertilizers are new generation of the synthetic fertilizers which contain readily
available nutrients in nanoscale range. Nanofertilizers are more soluble and effective
than bulk counterparts (DeRosa et al., 2010; Rameshaiah and Jpallavi, 2015).
Application of nanofertilizers improves solubility and dispersion of insoluble nutrients in soil, reduces nutrient immobilization (soil fixation), and increases the bioavailability (Naderi and Danesh-Shahraki 2013). Moreover, nanofertilizers can be
easily absorbed by plants and provide nutrient supply in soil or on plant for longer
duration (Rameshaiah and Jpallavi 2015). Zhang et al. (2006) investigated the effects
of controlled release fertilizers cemented and coated by nanomaterials on crop.
Interestingly, the synthesized nanocomposites were safe for wheat seed germination,
emergence, and growth of seedlings. Moreover, nanocomposites can also provide a
regulated, responsive, and on-time delivery of nutrients to plants. Abdel-Aziz et al.
(2016) investigated the delivery of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with nitrogen,
phosphorus, and potassium for wheat plants by foliar uptake. The results revealed
that wheat plants grown on sandy soil with chitosan-based nanofertilizer induced
significant increases in harvest index, crop index, and mobilization index of the
determined wheat yield variables. Moreover, the life cycle of the nanofertilized
wheat plants was shorter than normal-fertilized wheat plants. However, the response
of plants to nanofertilizers varies with the type of plant species, growth stages, and
nature of nanomaterials.
5.8 Nanotechnology for Storage, Quality Control, and Food
Grain Packaging
Nanosensors have potential application in the agricultural and allied sector including
food quality assessment, food packaging, food storage, monitoring of food
processing, shelf life and viability, indicator of food safety and microbial contamination, and toxin and residual contamination in food grains (Neethirajan et al. 2018;
182
P. L. Kashyap et al.
are time consuming, labor intensive, and require complex sample handling. The
sensitive nature of functionalized nanoparticles can be used to design phytopathogen
detection devices with smart sensing capabilities for field use (Kashyap et al. 2017).
Singh et al. (2010) used nanogold-based immunosensors that could detect Karnal
bunt disease in wheat (Tilletia indica) using surface plasmon resonance. Gold
nanoparticles have been used in biosensors due to ease in alternation of optical or
electrochemical procedures to identify pathogens (Thaxton et al. 2006; Kashyap
et al. 2019).
5.7 Controlled and Targeted Release of Fertilizers
Nanofertilizers are new generation of the synthetic fertilizers which contain readily
available nutrients in nanoscale range. Nanofertilizers are more soluble and effective
than bulk counterparts (DeRosa et al., 2010; Rameshaiah and Jpallavi, 2015).
Application of nanofertilizers improves solubility and dispersion of insoluble nutrients in soil, reduces nutrient immobilization (soil fixation), and increases the bioavailability (Naderi and Danesh-Shahraki 2013). Moreover, nanofertilizers can be
easily absorbed by plants and provide nutrient supply in soil or on plant for longer
duration (Rameshaiah and Jpallavi 2015). Zhang et al. (2006) investigated the effects
of controlled release fertilizers cemented and coated by nanomaterials on crop.
Interestingly, the synthesized nanocomposites were safe for wheat seed germination,
emergence, and growth of seedlings. Moreover, nanocomposites can also provide a
regulated, responsive, and on-time delivery of nutrients to plants. Abdel-Aziz et al.
(2016) investigated the delivery of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with nitrogen,
phosphorus, and potassium for wheat plants by foliar uptake. The results revealed
that wheat plants grown on sandy soil with chitosan-based nanofertilizer induced
significant increases in harvest index, crop index, and mobilization index of the
determined wheat yield variables. Moreover, the life cycle of the nanofertilized
wheat plants was shorter than normal-fertilized wheat plants. However, the response
of plants to nanofertilizers varies with the type of plant species, growth stages, and
nature of nanomaterials.
5.8 Nanotechnology for Storage, Quality Control, and Food
Grain Packaging
Nanosensors have potential application in the agricultural and allied sector including
food quality assessment, food packaging, food storage, monitoring of food
processing, shelf life and viability, indicator of food safety and microbial contamination, and toxin and residual contamination in food grains (Neethirajan et al. 2018;
182
P. L. Kashyap et al.