Changes in Crop Plant Gene Expression in Response to Nanoparticle Exposure Under Abiotic Stress Situation
摘要
Nanotechnology has revolutionized agricultural practices by introducing nanoparticles (NPs) to address abiotic stressors such as cold, drought, flooding, heat, heavy metals, and salinity, which significantly impact crop productivity. NPs, given their distinct nanoscale dimensions and unique physico-chemical properties, act on plants at the cellular and molecular levels, enhancing stress tolerance. This chapter investigates NP’s effect on plant gene expression in response to abiotic stress. The stabilization of cellular structures, the improvement of antioxidant systems, and the modification of stress-related genes are important aspects of stress mitigation in plants. Furthermore, the ability of NPs to influence gene expression in photosynthetic efficiency, secondary metabolite production, and hormonal pathways highlights their multifaceted role in improving plant resilience. While the potential of NPs is undeniable, challenges such as understanding their long-term environmental impact and interactions with soil microbiota remains unresolved. This chapter consolidates the latest findings on NP-mediated gene expression and outlines research gaps, offering insights into their sustainable application for enhancing agricultural productivity amid climate change.