Effects of Nanoagrochemicals on Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato) according to their functions and mechanisms: A Review

Abstract

Nano-enabled agrochemicals are increasingly explored to improve crop nutrition, stress resilience, pest and disease management, and delivery of active compounds. This review critically analyzes 113 experimental studies published from 2017 to August 2026 on nanomaterials (NMs) applied to tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), emphasizing relationships among physicochemical properties, dose, delivery route, mechanisms of action, efficacy, and phytotoxicity. The evidence is organized into four functional categories: nanofertilizers and nanobiostimulants, nanopesticides and stress-mitigation agents, nanocarriers and controlled-release systems, and phytotoxicity/ecotoxicology. Beneficial responses involve nutrient delivery and ion release, improved nutrient bioavailability, photosynthetic and metabolic stimulation, direct antimicrobial activity, defense activation, and mitigation of abiotic and chemical stress. Nanocarriers can also enhance the delivery and release of nutrients, phytohormones, nucleic acids, and pesticidal compounds. However, responses strongly depend on concentration, particle size and morphology, surface chemistry, coating, dissolution behavior, exposure conditions, and environmental context. Evidence remains uneven across laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies, and environmental transformations are still poorly characterized. Safer application will require function-specific dose optimization, rigorous characterization, mechanistic validation, and greater field-scale assessment. Ultimately, the information presented herein will provide researchers with directions to address research gaps and enable the integration of nanotechnology as a tool for sustainable tomato agriculture.