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.