S. Sharma
BSA (PG) College, (Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Agra), Mathura,
India
Keywords: green synthesis, metal nanoparticles, plant disease management, phytopathogens
Summary:
Agriculture is the economic backbone of the most developing nations. The employment of conventional agrochemicals has supported the development of a rapidly growing global population. However, the overuse of these agrochemicals severely deteriorates human health and the environment. Traditional farming results in damage to approximately one-third of crops, primarily due to outbreaks caused by microbial and pest attacks, natural disasters, reduced nutrient availability, and poor soil quality. In addition, the outbreaks of plant diseases caused by various pathogens contribute to the loss of agricultural yield and ecological damage. For instance, the yearly agricultural crop yield loss is projected at US$220 billion, produced by phytopathogens and pests alone, which affects regional economics, other associated socio- economic facets, and food security directly. Therefore, it is an urgent requirement to develop more inventive technology to address these problems. In the last decades, nanotechnology has attracted greater attention in farming systems than traditional farming practices. Agriculturists have become interested in metal nanoparticles due to their remarkable physicochemical properties. Moreover, the conventional methods for nanoparticle formulations use toxic, non- biodegradable, and expensive chemical agents. Unlike traditionally synthesized nanoparticles, green-fabricated nanoparticles are more cost-effective, biodegradable, non-hazardous, and efficient. They have proven to be more promising bioagents against phytopathogens, offering an eco-friendly alternative for controlling phytodiseases. Furthermore, green fabrication employs natural bio extracts such as plants, microbes, and biomolecules as reducing and capping agents. Green metal nanoparticles serve as an eco-friendly substitute for agrochemicals and conventional NPs in managing plant diseases without causing phytotoxicity. The present study illustrates the biofabrication of NPs through various green routes, such as plants, microorganisms, and macromolecules, and addresses their pivotal role in the control of phytopathogens.