Saima Shafi

By Malik Asif, Shayesta Islam, Mushtaq A. Malik, Zaffar Mahdi Dar, Amjad Masood, Saima Shafi, Bisma Rashid and Showkat Sidique

Environmental contamination and the tolerance developed by the pests, pathogens are some of the environmental issues related to the aimless utilization of chemical pesticides. It has became matter of serious concern for environment, food quality and soil health. Nanotechnology, envisaged as a swiftly emerging field has capability to reform food systems in agriculture. Nanotechnology provides an imperishable solution to these problems by the establishment of nano-pesticides. The functional components or the conveyor molecules used are of nano size. The performance of these nano sized particles is much better the traditional pesticides, as the smaller size aids in proper spreading on the pest surface. Amelioration in solubility of operational components, betterment in stability of formulation, gradual liberation of operational components and enhancement in mobility are some of the paramount advantages of nano particles attributed to the minute size of particles and greater surface area. Thus, nano particles have strengthened activity against target pests in comparison to bulk materials. Furthermore, nano-formulations sustain productive use in agriculture by offering systemic properties, uniform leaf coverage and enhanced soil properties. Despite all the positive aspects, it might have certain negative effects as well, like exposure of humans through distinct routes Viz, exposure to nano pesticides either directly or indirectly like adsorption through skin, or inhalation while breathing air or transfer from one energy level to another by taking contaminated food and water.

Part of the book: Agricultural Development in Asia