The potential of Nanotechnology in agriculture

However, new research has shown that, with the use of Nano biosensors, these challenges may be efficiently addressed. 

Nanomaterial-based biosensors provide intriguing advantages over conventional biosensors and the following highlight some of the potential applications:

As a Tool to assess Soil Quality 

The quantitative assessment of differential oxygen uptake in the respiration of "good microorganisms" and "bad microorganisms" in the soil may be used to detect soil disease. The measurement is carried out as follows: two sensors, one impregnated with "good microorganisms" and the other with "pathogenic organisms," are submerged in a suspension of soil sample in buffer solution, and the oxygen consumption data by two microorganisms is recorded. 

As a Tool to detect Contaminant 

A variety of nanobiosensors are being developed to detect contaminants, pests, nutrient content, and plant stress caused by drought, temperatures, or pressure. They may also assist farmers to improve their competence by administering inputs just when needed. 

As a Tool To maintain Seed purity 

Seed production is a difficult process, especially in wind-pollinated crops where pollen can travel large distances. Some of the factors that influence pollen plight are humidity, wind speed, and temperature. 

Detecting pollen load that causes contamination is a very effective way of ensuring genetic purity. Bionanosensors can also be used to identify specific contaminating pollen, reducing contamination.

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Photo by L N on Unsplash

Source: Agritech Future