Small-giants in agriculture: How can nanoparticles improve cereal biofortification?

Micronutrient deficiency is a significant global issue that results in diets lacking adequate vitamins and minerals. Low nutrient levels are primarily attributed to crops cultivated in soils with insufficient nutrient concentration and availability, compounded by abiotic stress that adversely affects proper plant growth and development. The introduction of alternative crops through nanotechnology has emerged as a widely adopted strategy for enhancing sustainable crop production. This approach harnesses various nanoparticles, minimizing the environmental impact associated with traditional chemical fertilizers. Ranging in size from 1 to 100 nm, these nanoparticles exhibit diverse morphologies, enabling easy internalization into plants via stomata and roots. Once absorbed, they are transported to the xylem and undergo numerous physiological and metabolic processes. Consequently, employing nanoparticles as nanofertilizers, applicable through foliar or root methods, and pre-germination treatments for seeds, represents a promising solution for crop biofortification and, ultimately, addressing global malnutrition concerns.