Biogenic nanoparticles for crop stress mitigation and climate resilience

Overview

This research program develops biogenic nanoparticles (BNPs) as nano-fertilizers and stress-mitigation agents for crops, with a focus on rice. Rising global temperatures and increasing pathogen pressure threaten food security, and plants suffering prolonged abiotic stress often become more vulnerable to biotic attack. The proposed work addresses this dual challenge by evaluating iron oxide, silica, and chitosan nanoparticles for their ability to ameliorate heat stress and fungal infection in rice, both individually and in combination.

The core value proposition is a sustainable, nanoparticle-based crop protection approach that can strengthen plant resilience to climate-driven stresses. By studying synergistic interactions between abiotic and biotic stress responses, the research aims to generate practical insights for farmers, agritech companies, and policymakers seeking climate-resilient cultivation strategies.

Technical specifications

Key research components:

• Synthesis and characterization of biogenic nanoparticles using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, XRD, FTIR, and SEM/TEM imaging
• Evaluation of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeNP) for heat stress amelioration in rice cultivar Uma (Oryza sativa indica) under controlled growth chamber conditions at 42–45°C
• Assessment of silica and chitosan BNPs for resistance against Magnaporthe oryzae, a major fungal pathogen of rice
• Investigation of synergistic effects when biotic and abiotic stresses occur concurrently
• Biochemical, histological, and molecular analyses (qRT-PCR) to understand systemic acquired resistance pathways
• Optimization of dosage and application methods for nanoparticle delivery

The approach builds on prior laboratory validation showing that FeNP mitigates drought, salinity, and arsenic stress in plants, extending that foundation to heat and pathogen stress.

Technology readiness level

The research is at an early-to-mid stage of laboratory validation. Prior in-house studies have demonstrated the ameliorative potential of biogenic nanoparticles against several abiotic stresses, establishing proof of concept. The current proposal focuses on extending these findings to heat stress and fungal pathogen resistance, with characterization, controlled environment testing, and molecular validation planned as next steps. Optimization of nanoparticle dosage, application protocols, and field-scale translation remain to be undertaken.