Harnessing Nanoscience for Resilient and Eco‐Friendly Olericulture

Abstract

In recent decades, growing concerns about population expansion and environmental challenges have prompted the adoption of sustainable agricultural and horticultural practices. Innovative solutions based on technology‐driven solutions have been developed to overcome these problems, and nanotechnology is one of the most interesting. We can solve issues in agriculture and horticulture by making nano‐level modifications to nanoparticles. Changes in size, composition, and related characteristics enhance the controlled release and targeted delivery of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and growth regulators. Vegetables play an important role in alleviating hunger; therefore, sustainable production is essential for food security. Some suggestions have been made to enhance food and nutrition security through nano‐based production systems, such as nanopesticides, nanofertilizers, and nanocoatings. Recent studies have revealed that nanourea can enable the efficiency of nitrogenous fertilizers and increase agronomic efficiency. This can result in up to a 50% decrease in the amount of nitrogen required as compared to urea. Moreover, the beneficial effects of nanobiofertilizers in enhancing yield due to better uptake of nutrients and reduction in the use of conventional agrochemicals have been established. This review outlines the latest research on nanoscience and nanoformulations in the context of sustainable vegetable production, with a particular focus on the use of vegetable waste materials for green nanotechnology to produce nanomaterials and nanocomposites with different applications.