Revolutionizing crop production with iron nanoparticles for controlled release of plant growth regulators and abiotic stress resistance

Abstract

Iron nanoparticles (Fe-NPs) have emerged as a revolutionary tool for enhancing the efficiency of plant growth regulators (PGRs) delivery in modern agriculture. This review explores how Fe-NPs address critical challenges in conventional PGR applications, including instability, rapid degradation, and non-target effects. Their unique properties, such as high surface area, magnetic responsiveness, and biocompatibility, enable the precise encapsulation and controlled release of key PGRs, including auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, and abscisic acid, thereby improving bioavailability and reducing environmental contamination. Fe-NPs demonstrate remarkable potential in enhancing plant growth, stress tolerance (including drought and salinity), and crop productivity through targeted delivery mechanisms. Additionally, their dual role as both PGR carriers and iron micronutrient supplements offers synergistic benefits for plant health. While promising, challenges in scalability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental safety must be addressed for widespread adoption. By integrating nanotechnology with precision agriculture, Fe-NPs-mediated PGR delivery offers a sustainable approach to enhancing crop performance and resilience in the face of climate change and increasing global food demands. The objectives of this review are to highlight current advancements, key mechanisms involved in the target delivery of Fe-NPs, abiotic stress tolerance (including oxidative stress modulation and enhanced metabolic processes), applications, and future directions for harnessing Fe-NPs in next-generation agricultural practices.