Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
An International Journal
Plant micronutrients play an important role in the growth and development of plants. Their deficiency causes reduction of yield and growth. Most of the plants derive their nutrition from the soil which is the major natural source of all nutrients. Inorganic nutrients get fixed in the soil as insoluble forms thus not being available in essential quantities to the roots. Micronutrient nanoparticles can substitute chemical fertilizers which can be used to increase agronomic yield, foliar sprays have proven to be easily absorbed and show high use of efficiency. Nanoparticles exhibit unique properties due to their small dimension between 1-100nm.They show significantly improved physical, chemical and biological properties. Biological synthesis is an ecofriendly process in contrast to other physical and chemical methods which makes use of toxic substances and leave residues which harm natural microflora of the soil. Microalgae based biosynthesis of nanoparticles is an emerging field known as “phyco-nanotechnology”, which has a wide range of potential applications that are being explored. Algae contain bioactive molecules that act as reducing, capping and stabilizing agents for manufacturing nanoparticles. Biosynthesis of micronutrient nanoparticles is a boon as depletion of soil nutrients due to climatic changes causes nonavailability of nutrients to the crop plants.
Research Review | Published online : 17-Aug-2022