scholarly journals Agro-Waste Mediated Silica Nanoparticles and Their Application to Sustainable Agriculture

Author(s):  
Pooja Goswami ◽  
Jyoti Mathur

Abstract Sustainable managing of environment implies the utilization of green approaches in agronomy for growth and crop protection. Since crop production is determined by extensive application of pesticide to resist plant infection and fertilizers to increase fertility of soil, these processes result in ecological unit deterioration as well economic cost. The current research aims at assessment of the potential of nanofertilizers and fungicidal activity of Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) which have synthesized from agro-waste (sugarcane bagasse and corn cob).SiNPs Nanoparticles display exceptional biological functions and might behave as novel antifungal agents. SiNPs were characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX).The plant reaction to SiNPs treatments were observed in relation to germination, growth characteristics, protein, chlorophyll, antioxidant and antifungal activities. Germination rate was enhanced upto 95.5% with SiNPsconcentration and growth parameters were increased upto1000ugL-1. The physiological changes showed the increment in protein and chlorophyll content upto 14.8mg g-1 and 4.08 mg g-1, respectively. Other than this, maximum mycelia growth inhibition was reported for Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus niger as73.42% and 58.92%, respectively. SiNPs positive response on Eruca sativa plant might improve its productivity and act as a potential antifungal agent against pathogenic fungi.

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 377
Author(s):  
Marcin Barański ◽  
Dominika Średnicka-Tober ◽  
Leonidas Rempelos ◽  
Gultakin Hasanaliyeva ◽  
Joanna Gromadzka-Ostrowska ◽  
...  

Recent human cohort studies reported positive associations between organic food consumption and a lower incidence of obesity, cancer, and several other diseases. However, there are very few animal and human dietary intervention studies that provide supporting evidence or a mechanistic understanding of these associations. Here we report results from a two-generation, dietary intervention study with male Wistar rats to identify the effects of feeds made from organic and conventional crops on growth, hormonal, and immune system parameters that are known to affect the risk of a number of chronic, non-communicable diseases in animals and humans. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used to separate the effects of contrasting crop protection methods (use or non-use of synthetic chemical pesticides) and fertilizers (mineral nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) fertilizers vs. manure use) applied in conventional and organic crop production. Conventional, pesticide-based crop protection resulted in significantly lower fiber, polyphenol, flavonoid, and lutein, but higher lipid, aldicarb, and diquat concentrations in animal feeds. Conventional, mineral NPK-based fertilization resulted in significantly lower polyphenol, but higher cadmium and protein concentrations in feeds. Feed composition differences resulting from the use of pesticides and/or mineral NPK-fertilizer had a significant effect on feed intake, weight gain, plasma hormone, and immunoglobulin concentrations, and lymphocyte proliferation in both generations of rats and in the second generation also on the body weight at weaning. Results suggest that relatively small changes in dietary intakes of (a) protein, lipids, and fiber, (b) toxic and/or endocrine-disrupting pesticides and metals, and (c) polyphenols and other antioxidants (resulting from pesticide and/or mineral NPK-fertilizer use) had complex and often interactive effects on endocrine, immune systems and growth parameters in rats. However, the physiological responses to contrasting feed composition/intake profiles differed substantially between the first and second generations of rats. This may indicate epigenetic programming and/or the generation of “adaptive” phenotypes and should be investigated further.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 45
Author(s):  
Rosario Nicoletti ◽  
Andrea Becchimanzi

Facing the urgent need to reduce the input of agrochemicals, in recent years, the ecological relationships between plants and their associated microorganisms have been increasingly considered as an essential tool for improving crop production. New findings and data have been accumulated showing that the application of fungi can go beyond the specific role that has been traditionally assigned to the species, employed in integrated pest management as entomopathogens or mycoparasites, and that strains combining both aptitudes can be identified and possibly used as multipurpose biocontrol agents. Mainly considered for their antagonistic relationships with plant pathogenic fungi, species in the genus Talaromyces have been more and more widely reported as insect associates in investigations carried out in various agricultural and non-agricultural contexts. Out of a total of over 170 species currently accepted in this genus, so far, 27 have been found to have an association with insects from 9 orders, with an evident increasing trend. The nature of their mutualistic and antagonistic relationships with insects, and their ability to synthesize bioactive compounds possibly involved in the expression of the latter kind of interactions, are analyzed in this paper with reference to the ecological impact and applicative perspectives in crop protection.


Author(s):  
A. S. Hoang ◽  
H. H. Cong ◽  
V. P. Shukanov ◽  
L. A. Karytsko ◽  
S. N. Poljanskaja ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Nano-particles of metals can be routinely synthesized. The cereal seeds treatment with the particles can improve early growth and crop production. Moreover, the treatment is robust and economical. Methods Metal (Fe0, Cu0, Co0), zinc oxide (ZnO) and chitosan-stabilized silver nano-particles were synthesized and applied to cereal seeds. The germination rate, early plant development and inhibition effects on pathogenic fungi were quantified. Results It was found that all nano-particles had a positive effect on the development of healthy cereal seedlings. In particular, the length of the above-ground part of the seedlings was increased by 8–22%. The highest inhibition effect was observed on Helminthosporium teres with the application of Co0 and chitosan-Ag. Pre-sowing treatment with metal nano-particles reduced the number of infected grains by two times for wheat and 3.6 times for barley. The application also increases the chlorophylls and carotenoids in both uninfected and infected seedlings. Conclusions The results demonstrated a robust application of nano-particles in improving cereal production. Graphical Abstract


Insects ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 895
Author(s):  
Jing Xu ◽  
Kaihui Zhang ◽  
Andrew G. S. Cuthbertson ◽  
Cailian Du ◽  
Shaukat Ali

Nanotechnology has clear potential in the development of innovative insecticidal products for the biorational management of major insect pests. Metal-based nanoparticles of different microbial pest control agents have been effective against several pests. Synthesis of Beauveria brongniartii based Fe0 nanoparticles (Fe0NPs) and their bio-efficacy against Spodoptera litura was observed during this study. Beauveria brongniartii conidia were coated with Fe0NPs and characterized by applying a selection of different analytical techniques. Ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy showed the characteristic band of surface plasmon at 430 nm; Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed spherical shaped nanoparticles with a size ranging between 0.41 to 0.80 µm; Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectral analysis revealed characteristic Fe peaks at 6.5 and 7.1 Kev; the X-ray diffractogram showed three strong peaks at 2θ values of 45.72°, 64.47°, and 84.05°. The bioassay studies demonstrated that mortality of 2nd instar S. litura larvae following Fe0NPs treatment increased with increasing concentrations of Fe0NPs at different time intervals. The median lethal concentration (LC50) values of Fe0NPs against S. litura after seven days of fungal treatment was 59 ppm, whereas median survival time (LT50) values for 200 and 500 ppm concentrations of Fe0NPs against S. litura seven days post-treatment were 5.1 and 2.29 days, respectively. Beauveria brongniartii-Fe0NPs caused significant reductions in feeding and growth parameters (relative growth rate, relative consumption rate, and efficiency of conversion of ingested food) of S. litura. Beauveria brongniartii Fe0NPs induced reduction in glutathione-S-transferase activities throughout the infection period whereas activities of antioxidant enzymes decreased during later periods of infection. These findings suggest that B. brongniartii Fe0NPs can potentially be used in biorational S. litura management programs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 2282
Author(s):  
Masudulla Khan ◽  
Azhar U. Khan ◽  
Mohd Abul Hasan ◽  
Krishna Kumar Yadav ◽  
Marina M. C. Pinto ◽  
...  

In the present era, the global need for food is increasing rapidly; nanomaterials are a useful tool for improving crop production and yield. The application of nanomaterials can improve plant growth parameters. Biotic stress is induced by many microbes in crops and causes disease and high yield loss. Every year, approximately 20–40% of crop yield is lost due to plant diseases caused by various pests and pathogens. Current plant disease or biotic stress management mainly relies on toxic fungicides and pesticides that are potentially harmful to the environment. Nanotechnology emerged as an alternative for the sustainable and eco-friendly management of biotic stress induced by pests and pathogens on crops. In this review article, we assess the role and impact of different nanoparticles in plant disease management, and this review explores the direction in which nanoparticles can be utilized for improving plant growth and crop yield.


Author(s):  
Asemgul A. Isemberlinova ◽  
Ivan S. Egorov ◽  
Svetlana A. Nuzhnyh ◽  
Artem V. Poloskov ◽  
Elena A. Pokrovskaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  

2021 ◽  
Vol 82 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sobifagha Princess Bell-Gam ◽  
Luke Chinaru Nwosu ◽  
Kayode David Ileke ◽  
Uwaoma Otuodichinma Aguwa

Abstract Background The use of X-ray irradiation in the control of the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) infesting stored maize was tested at 60, 70 and 80 KeV as part of the international concerted efforts to save maize production and enhance food security. Investigations were done in the laboratory at mean temperature and relative humidity of 29.2 °C and 75.7%, respectively using three varieties of maize. The possibility that X-ray irradiation can affect the viability of maize grains when planted after weevil control process was also evaluated in the laboratory. Standard methods were used to achieve the specific objectives, and X-ray machine snap constituted the exposure time for each dose. Results The results revealed 10% mortality of adult weevils after 24 h and 40% mortality after a period of 7 days. The result indicates moderate effect on mortality. Progressive increase in mortality was recorded as dose increased from 60 to 80 KeV. X-ray irradiation at the doses tested did not significantly (P > 0.05) restrict S. zeamais emergence from maize grains and did not also significantly protect grains against damage and flour production. There was no difference in the pattern of daily emergence of new progenies and pattern of accumulated emergence. The relationship between X-ray irradiation doses and weight of emerging progenies require more specific analysis. Absence of significant difference between the viability of irradiated grains and un-irradiated grains strongly suggests that X-ray irradiation did not adversely affect seed viability, and this gives irradiation technique an opportunity of higher acceptability in agriculture. Conclusions We recommend > 80 KeV of X-ray irradiation or its incorporation into integrated pest management system in order to achieve effective post-harvest control of the pest.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 580-593
Author(s):  
M A. Bryzgalina ◽  

The demand for organic food is a prerequisite for the formation and development of organic agriculture, and the task of promoting it on domestic and foreign markets is among the priority ones. A serious problem in the sale of this category of goods to the domestic food markets of the country is the distrust of potential consumers. It is possible to solve this problem through certification and the use of a well-known brand. Certification of manufacturers of environmentally friendly products is a rather complicated and expensive procedure, therefore it is not available for most agricultural producers in the Saratov region. However, basing on the fact that today the task of developing the organic agriculture industry is set at the level of the government of the country, it is possible to solve this problem with the support of the state. The article examines the enterprises of the Saratov region of various legal forms, which do not use fertilizers and chemical means of crop protection in the production of crop production. Using the example of agricultural organizations and farms in the region, a mechanism for subsidizing certification of the most promising producers of organic wheat (winter and spring) is proposed, which includes the allocation of targeted subsidies for its implementation. As a criterion for the selection of applicants for this type of state support, as well as the distribution of budgetary resources between them, it is proposed to use the average indicator (potential) of the annual volume of organic production in the work. As a result, direct participants in certification subsidies were selected from the compiled sample of the studied enterprises that do not use chemical plant protection products and mineral fertilizers and the total annual volume of their marketable wheat was determined. The author determined the maximum cost of quality confirmation procedures for one enterprise, taking into account the increasing coefficients per one day of inspection, and also established the largest amount of budgetary resources that may be spent on the implementation of the proposed measure. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed certification subsidy mechanism, the author developed formulas for determining the selling price of products in the promising organic segment, taking into account its increase by the level of premium premiums.


Cerâmica ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 48 (305) ◽  
pp. 38-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. I. B. Bernardi ◽  
E. J. H. Lee ◽  
P. N. Lisboa-Filho ◽  
E. R. Leite ◽  
E. Longo ◽  
...  

The synthesis of TiO2 thin films was carried out by the Organometallic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) method. The influence of deposition parameters used during growth on the final structural characteristics was studied. A combination of the following experimental parameters was studied: temperature of the organometallic bath, deposition time, and temperature and substrate type. The high influence of those parameters on the final thin film microstructure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy with electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction.


Coatings ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Divine Sebastian ◽  
Chun-Wei Yao ◽  
Ian Lian

Superhydrophobic coatings have shown tremendous improvement in the usability of metals such as aluminum. These coatings are capable of adding attractive features such as self-cleaning, anti-corrosion, and anti-biofouling to the array of diverse features that aluminum possesses, including lightweight and high ductility. For superhydrophobic surfaces, having considerable abrasion resistance is as important as achieving a high contact angle. In this work, two types of coatings have been prepared, each composed of functionalized silica nanoparticles along with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) dispersed in ethanol, and their superhydrophobicity and abrasion characteristics have been investigated. The same silica nanoparticles are present in each coating, but each has a different proportion of the PDMS base to its curing agent. The surface morphology of the coatings was studied with the aid of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an atomic force microscope (AFM). The surface chemical composition was characterized using an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDX). The prepared coatings were analyzed for their degree of superhydrophobicity, abrasion resistance and adhesion characteristics. In addition, atomic force microscopy was used to understand the adhesion characteristics of the coatings.


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