Mechanisms of nanomaterials for improving plant salt tolerance

Most of cereal crops are glycophytes which are sensitive to salinity. Thus, the increase of land salinization globally threatens crop production. Conventional strategies of breeding programs, flushing saline soil with fresh water, and phytoremediation to address salinity issue in crop production have their own limitations. New technique such as nanobiotechnology has emerged as a promising approach to improve plant salt tolerance. In this review, we summarized nanomaterials used for improving plant salt tolerance. Then, we discussed the mechanisms underlying the improved plant salt tolerance by the application of nanomaterials. The role of Na⁺/K⁺ ratio, reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, hormones, polyamines, and gas signaling molecules in nano-improved plant salt tolerance was further highlighted and discussed. Overall, the use of well-designed nanomaterials to improve plant salt tolerance should be encouraged for better facilitating sustainable agriculture.