Silica Nanoparticles Could Act as Degradable Treatment Against Plant Pathogens
Written by AZoNanoDec 15 2020
Scientists from the Adolphe Merkle Institute and the Department of Biology of the University of Fribourg have identified how some silica nanoparticles could serve as a degradable, traceless and highly efficient treatment against certain plant pathogens.
Image Credit: University of Fribourg.
Currently, one of the major challenges in agriculture is the higher use of pesticides and fertilizers. An increasing number of products have been either banned or regarded as dangerous for human and animal health. Thus, there is an acute need for alternatives.
One way is to trigger a plant s own immune response against pathogen attacks. Silicic acid occurs naturally in soil and is known to stimulate such responses in plants. Moreover, amorphous silica nanoparticles can discharge this substance in minuscule amounts.
Reducing pesticide use with nanoparticles phys.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from phys.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Marie-Lan Nguyen, C.C. 2.5
Pesticides may indeed kill plant pathogens, but they re also harmful to the environment. Newly developed nanoparticles may provide a more eco-friendly alternative, as they boost the immune systems of crop plants, then harmlessly dissolve.
Occurring naturally in soil, a compound known as silicic acid has for some time been known to provoke plants immune response. It s also released by amorphous (non-crystalline) silica nanoparticles, which are found in some crop plants. Such nanoparticles are additionally an ingredient in food-grade silica, which is used as an anti-clumping agent in products like table salt and protein powders.
Silicic acid is already applied to crops in liquid fertilizer form, to help them fight off viruses and problematic bacteria. Unfortunately, though, the sudden and intense dose of the compound can actually stress the plants, plus it may harm beneficial microorganisms living in the soil.