This book presents a collection of cross-disciplinary research, with contributions addressing all key features of the plant/microbe/ENP nexus in agro-ecosystems. The uptake, transport and transformation of nanoparticles in plants have attracted more and more attention in the past several years. Especially, the impact of Engineered Nanoparticles (ENPs) on bioprocesses; low-, medium- and high-level dose responses in the microbial community of soil; and long-, medium- and short-term exposure responses, particularly microbial nitrogen transformations, are just a few of the aspects involved. Since ENPs are used in many industries, including cosmetics, agriculture, medicine, food technology and waste management, their transport through biogeochemical cycles is an important focus of many studies today. Specifically, ENP–microbe interaction has been analysed with regard to disease treatment for plants; it plays a vital role in disease inhibition by releasing metal ions that act through many pathways – e.g. reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, DNA transformation and disruption of the cell cycle – to stop cell growth in the pathogen. Due to these properties, ENPs are also used as slow release or delayed release pesticides and fungicides, and as carrier systems for growth-promoting hormones. Despite their multiple uses in various industries, the negative effects of ENPs are still a major concern for the scientific community and consumers alike. For example, their transport to various food chains has been reported to have adverse effects. This raises a degree of doubt concerning a rapidly growing scientific field with major applications in many industries. From a sustainable development perspective and particularly to ensure food security in light of the uncertainty accompanying climate change, it is imperative to address this divergence by focusing on the plant/microbe/ENP nexus.

This book presents a collection of cross-disciplinary research, with contributions addressing all key features of the plant/microbe/ENP nexus in agro-ecosystems. The uptake, transport and transformation of nanoparticles in plants have attracted more and more attention in the past several years. Especially, the impact of Engineered Nanoparticles (ENPs) on bioprocesses; low-, medium- and high-level dose responses in the microbial community of soil; and long-, medium- and short-term exposure responses, particularly microbial nitrogen transformations, are just a few of the aspects involved. Since ENPs are used in many industries, including cosmetics, agriculture, medicine, food technology and waste management, their transport through biogeochemical cycles is an important focus of many studies today. Specifically, ENP-microbe interaction has been analysed with regard to disease treatment for plants; it plays a vital role in disease inhibition by releasing metal ions that act through many pathways - e.g. reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, DNA transformation and disruption of the cell cycle - to stop cell growth in the pathogen. Due to these properties, ENPs are also used as slow release or delayed release pesticides and fungicides, and as carrier systems for growth-promoting hormones. Despite their multiple uses in various industries, the negative effects of ENPs are still a major concern for the scientific community and consumers alike. For example, their transport to various food chains has been reported to have adverse effects. This raises a degree of doubt concerning a rapidly growing scientific field with major applications in many industries. From a sustainable development perspective and particularly to ensure food security in light of the uncertainty accompanying climate change, it is imperative to address this divergence by focusing on the plant/microbe/ENP nexus.

Nanoparticles Synthesis by Soil Microbes: Application in Plant Production and the Environment, a volume in the Plant and Soil Microbiome series, presents an advanced and recent description of plant and soil microbiome in the nanoparticle synthesis and their application in sustainable agriculture and environment. In The book covers the broad aspect of microbial synthesized nanoparticles in their synthesis and application in sustainable agriculture and environmental management in line with the recent and timely further interest in the biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles due to their environmentally-friendly, cost-effective, rapid, and efficient nature. The microbial cell contains various bioactive compounds, and in the last few years, nanoparticle syntheses from the microbial cell have been increasingly sought due to their overall cost effectiveness and less toxic residual products. Microbe-assisted synthesis of nanoparticles could provide a green, environmentally benign, rapid and efficient route for the fabrication of biocompatible nanostructures with diverse physical-chemical and optoelectronic properties. - Covers the plant and soil microbiome and their aspect in the synthesis and application of nanoparticles - Addresses biologically produced nanoparticles and their different properties - Includes considerations of regulatory, social, and environmental sustainability impacts

This book explores recent advances on the use of microbes for agri-forestry biotechnological applications. It provides technical concepts and discussions on the use of microorganisms for processes such as bioprocessing, bioremediation, soil enhancement, aquaponics advances, and plant-host symbiosis. The book provides an overview of the microbial approach to the tools and processes used in agriculture and forestry that make or modify products, improve plants for specific uses, and make use of livestock in agricultural systems. The authors discuss the main process conditions that enhance agri-forestry applications with the use of microbes and introduce the use of genetically modified (GM) microbes in agrobiotechnology. Finally, the authors explore the main technological advances in the production of secondary metabolites with potential applications in agri-forestry. This book is intended for biotechnologists, biologists, bioengineers, biochemists, microbiologists, food technologists, enzymologists, and related researchers.

Toxicity of Nanoparticles in Plants: An Evaluation of Cyto/Morpho-physiological, Biochemical and Molecular Responses, Volume Five in the Nanomaterial-Plant Interactions series, reviews the latest research on toxicological effects of using nanotechnology in plants. Key themes include analyzing plant exposure to nanomaterials, mechanisms of toxicity of nanoparticles to plants, and effects, uptake and translocation of various different nanoparticles. This will be an essential read for any scientist or researcher looking to assess and understand the potential toxicological risks associated with plant nanotechnology. To date, nanotechnology is considered one of the most promising areas of research due to the widespread applications of nanomaterials in plant science and agriculture. However, extensive use of nano-based products raises concerns regarding their toxicity in crop plants, their environmental impact and potential consequences to humans via the food chain. - Discusses environmental concerns raised by the extensive use of nanotechnology - Highlights the impact of plants treated with nanoparticles on nutritional status - Reviews major challenges for assessing the toxicity of nanomaterials in plants

Nanotechnology has shown great potential in all spheres of life. With the increasing pressure to meet the food demands of rapidly increasing population, thus, novel innovation and research are required in agriculture. The principles of nanotechnology can be implemented to meet the challenges faced by agricultural demands. Major challenges include the loss of nutrients in the soil and nutrient-deficient plants, which result in a lower crop yield and quality. Subsequently, consumption of such crops leads to malnourishment in humans, especially in underprivileged and rural populations. One convenient approach to tackle nutrient deficiency in plants is via the use of fertilizers; however, this method suffers from lower uptake efficiency in plants. Another approach to combat nutrient deficiency in humans is via the use of supplements and diet modifications; however, these approaches are less affordably viable in economically challenged communities and in rural areas. Therefore, the use of nano-fertilizers to combat this problem holds the greatest potential. Additionally, nanotechnology can be used to meet other challenges in agriculture including enhancing crop yield, protection from insect pests and animals, and by use of nano-pesticides and nano-biosensors to carry out the remediation of polluted soils. The future use of nanomaterials in soil ecosystems will be influenced by their capability to interact with soil constituents and the route of nanoparticles into the environment includes both natural and anthropogenic sources. The last decade has provided increasing research on the impact and use of nanoparticles in plants, animals, microbes, and soils, and yet these studies often lacked data involving the impact of nanoparticles on biotic and abiotic stress factors. This book provides significant recent research on the use of nano-fertilizers, which can have a major impact on components of an ecosystem. This work should provide a basis to further study these potential key areas in order to achieve sustainable and safe application of nanoparticles in agriculture.

Nanofertilizer Delivery, Effects and Application Methods explores the science of nutrient nanoformulation, a potential tool toward sustainable and climate-sensitive crops.Wide-spread use of chemical fertilizers has been shown to causes significant damage to soil structure, mineral cycles, soil microbial flora, plants, and creating human health risk both immediately and for future generations. Through methods that include targeted distribution, and gradual or controlled release, nanostructured fertilizers can improve nutrient usage efficiency. According to recent studies, through environmental cues and biological demands, nano-fertilizers can respond to specifical challenges, and boost agricultural yield by increasing the rate of seed germination, seedling growth, photosynthetic activity, nitrogen metabolism, and carbohydrate and protein synthesis. Nanofertilizer Delivery, Effects and Application Methods discusses the potential agricultural benefits of nanofertilizers from coverage of their formulation and delivery, to application, plant uptake, translocation, and destiny, and their overall effect on plant physiology and metabolism. This book is ideal for researchers in industry and academia. - Highlights types, uses, and advantages of a wide range and variety of nanofertilizers on agri-food sectors - Looks at current practices, their challenges, and future development opportunities - Includes methods and applications for real-world insights

This book highlights recent advances in variety of nanomaterials classes including metal chalcogenides, metal oxides/hydroxides, polymer, metal-organic frameworks, and hybrid nanostructures, with a focus on their properties, synthesis methods, and key applications. It also offers detailed coverage on the toxicity aspects with possible solution. Additionally, it provides complete and comprehensive information on surface modification strategies of nanoparticles to achieve desired outcomes. This book discusses potential applications and major challenges of using these nanomaterials in the fields of biomedical sciences, agricultural industry, bioenergy, biofuel production, and environmental remediation, etc. Overall, this book provides crucial background in nanobiotechnology that compliments the understanding of experimental design for the production of more customized nanomaterials to avail desirable benefits.

Nanotechnology and Plant Disease Management explores the intersection of nanotechnology and agriculture. This book serves as a comprehensive exploration of the current state and future potential of nanoparticles in revolutionizing plant disease management within the realm of agriculture. This book elucidates the synthesis, characterization and judicious application of nanoparticles, providing a clear and accessible explanation of what nanomaterials are, how they are characterized, and their pivotal role in reshaping the plant disease management systems. It scrutinizes innovative strategies that influence the unique properties of nanoparticles to identify and monitor the presence of pathogens at early stages. The book also examines the limitations inherent in the use of nanomaterials for disease management in plants by critically evaluating both sides of the spectrum. This aims to provide a candid overview of the hurdles that must be overcome to unlock the full benefits of nanotechnology in this field. By pinpointing and understanding these obstacles, the current work aims to pave the way for effective strategies and solutions, ensuring the responsible and optimized application of nanomaterials for enhanced plant disease management. This in-depth examination serves as a cornerstone, providing readers with a profound understanding of the intricate processes involved in synthesis, characterization and utilizing nanomaterials for disease control. Nanotechnology and Plant Disease Management is a testament to the transformative potential of nanotechnology in agriculture. The authors invite readers to embark on this enlightening journey, exploring the intricate world of nanomaterials and their application in safeguarding the health and vitality of plants.