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NANOTECHNOLOGY USED IN AGRICULTURE

Uva Wellassa university of Sri lanka

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Introduction• Nanotechnology refers to controlling, building,

and restructuring materials and devices on the scale of atoms and molecules

• A nanometer (nm) is one-billionth of a meter

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Nanotechnology for Crop Biotechnology

• Three-dimensional molecular structures• DNA crystals • The DNA crystals have “sticky-ends” or small

cohesive sequences• lattice-like structure that extends in six different

directions, forming a three-dimensional crystal• This technique could be applied in improving

important crops

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Nanoparticles and Recycling Agricultural Waste

• Nanotechnology is also applied to prevent waste in agriculture

Ex: - cotton industry Cotton fabric or garment

waste (cellulose or the fibers )

Low -valued products (cotton balls, yarns)

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Fertilizer or pesticide absorbent

• Scientists produce 100 nanometer-diameter fibers • It can be used as a fertilizer or pesticide absorbent• The technique is called as electrospinning• These high-performance absorbents allow

targeted application at desired time and location.

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Ethanol production

• Ethanol production from maize feedstocks has increased the global price of maize

• Cellulosic feedstocks are now regarded as a viable option for biofuels production

• Nanotechnology can enhance the performance of enzymes used in the conversion of cellulose into ethanol

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• Scientists are working on nano-engineered enzymes that will allow simple and cost-effective conversion of cellulose from waste plant parts into ethanol

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Disposal of rice husk

• Rice husk can be used as a source of renewable energy

Rice husk Thermal energy A large amount or bio fule of high-quality

nanosilica

Making other materials ex :- glass, concrete

• Through nanotechnology can reduce the growing risk of rice husk disposal concern

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Nanotech Delivery Systems for Pests, Nutrients, and Plant Hormones

• Nanosensors and nano-based smart delivery systems could help in the efficient use of agricultural natural resources like water, nutrients and chemicals through precision farming.

• Through the use of nanomaterials and GPS with satellite imaging of fields, remotely detect crop pests or evidence of stress such as drought.

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• Once pest or drought is detected, there would be automatic adjustment of pesticide applications or irrigation levels.

• Nanosensors dispersed in the field can also

detect the presence of plant viruses and the level of soil nutrients.

• Nanoencapsulated slow release fertilizers have also become a trend to save fertilizer consumption and to minimize environmental pollution

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• Nanobarcodes and nanoprocessing could be used to monitor the quality of agricultural produce

• Through nanotechnology, scientists are able to study plant’s regulation of hormones

ex:- auxin – induce root growth and seedling establishment

• Has developed a nanosensor that reacts with auxin

• It can measure auxin concentration at a particular point using electric signal

• It helps to understand how plant roots adapt to their environment, especially to marginal soils

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Recent Developments

• The scientists have planned to develop a plastic storage bag lined with nanoparticles

• A milk container was designed with a nanopatterned, antimicrobial coating that helps the diary farmers

• The scientists have planned to develop nanopatterned paper sensors to detect bovine pregnancy to determine if the cows will run dry without milk due to udder infection or pregnancy

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Impacts of nanotechnology in agriculture

• Have many potential applications in a variety of fields

• Carbon nanotubes can be used to recognize and fight viruses and other pathogens

• However, results of studies in animals have raised concerns about the potential toxicity of nanoparticles

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Conclusion• Nanotechnology is capable of being used in

agricultural products that protect plants and monitor plant growth and detect diseases

• Scientists are still seeking new applications of nanotechnology in agriculture and the food industry

• The agricultural sector and the food industry will indeed see tremendous changes for the better in the coming years

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Thank you