Biogenic nanoparticles application in agriculture for ROS mitigation and abiotic stress tolerance: A review

Plants have to face different abiotic stressors, such as extreme temperatures, drought, salinity, flood, and heavy metals, which negatively impact their growth and development, leading to lower agricultural productivity, food security concerns, and financial losses. Nanotechnology has emerged as a solution to mitigate these negative effects, improving resource use efficiency, reducing pollution, preventing plant diseases, and enhancing sustainability. Nanoparticles (NPs) apllication to agricultural crops addresses nutrient deficiencies, enhances stress tolerance, and improves crop yield and quality. Sustainable and environment friendly methods for synthesizing NPs have been developed over the last few decades. NPs possess distinct qualities and can serve as powerful sensors, controlling critical physiological and biochemical processes in plants. Furthermore, NPs offer unique mechanisms for adapting to changing climatic conditions. Abiotic stress generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause oxidative stress and impairs redox homeostasis. The roles of ROS in signaling cascades and stress tolerance are gaining recognition. This review explores the potential of plant-based metallic and metallic oxide NPs to mitigate the harmful consequences of abiotic stresses induced excessive ROS. We have critically discussed green/biological synthesis methods of NPs, their potential roles in agriculture, and the mechanisms by which plant-based NPs can counteract ROS harmful effects on plant metabolism. Utilizing nanotechnology paves the way for sustainable crop cultivation, ensuring increased crop yields and enhanced environmental resilience.