NANO-FUNGICIDES IN AGRICULTURE: RECENT ADVANCES, MECHANISMS, APPLICATIONS, CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Agriculture plays a crucial role in ensuring global food security and supporting economic development. However, crop production is continuously threatened by a wide range of fungal diseases that cause significant yield losses and deterioration of crop quality. Pathogenic fungi such as Fusarium, Alternaria, Botrytis, Colletotrichum, and Magnaporthe species are responsible for substantial economic losses in cereals, fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural commodities worldwide. Conventional fungicides have long been used as the primary strategy for disease management, but their extensive use has led to several challenges, including the development of fungicide resistance, environmental contamination, non-target toxicity, and reduced effectiveness due to rapid degradation and poor bioavailability. Recent advances in nanotechnology have introduced innovative approaches for improving crop protection through the development of nano-fungicides. These formulations utilize nanoparticles or nanocarriers to enhance the delivery, stability, and efficacy of fungicidal compounds. Nano-fungicides offer several advantages over conventional formulations, including controlled release, targeted delivery, improved solubility, enhanced adhesion to plant surfaces, and reduced application rates. Various nanomaterials, including metallic nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and bio-based nanocarriers, have demonstrated promising antifungal activity against a broad spectrum of plant pathogens. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of nanotechnology in agricultural disease management, focusing on the development, classification, mechanisms of action, and applications of nano-fungicides. The review also discusses environmental safety considerations, current challenges, and future opportunities associated with nano-enabled crop protection strategies. The integration of nanotechnology into plant disease management has the potential to improve agricultural productivity while reducing the environmental burden associated with conventional fungicide use. Continued research and responsible implementation of nano-fungicides may contribute significantly to sustainable agriculture and global food security in the coming decades.