Nanopesticides: Synthesis, Formulation and Application in Agriculture

What is it about?

Plant pests severely reduce crop yields and are a major threat to crop production. The traditional method for pest control involves chemical pesticides like DDT, pyrethroids, organophosphates, etc. However, the overuse of chemical pesticides is known to cause harmful effects on human health, insects, and animals and increased resistance to pest and severely impact the environment. To combat pest-related threats, latest technological intervention is required with the least environmental impact. Nanotechnology is one such technological leap which has tremendous potential in pest management. In recent years, various nanotechnology-based products such as nanofertilizers, nanoherbicides, nanopesticides, nanofungicides, and nanoinsecticides have been developed to combat pest-related diseases. Important areas of nanopesticide application in the agriculture are precise farming, weed, and nutrient management. In the food sector, the applications involve food processing, packaging systems, and preservation.

Featured Image