Nanoparticles and its effects and potential to be used as plant growth regulator

Abstract

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are molecules widely applied in theagriculture, leading to increased crop yield and improved quality of agriculturalproducts. These compounds act as plant hormones, affecting the plant hormonalhomeostasis, and thus control plant growth and development. Recently, the development of polymer-based modified release systems for PGRs has emerged as a promising alternative for increasing the efficacy of these compounds. This review will focuson polymeric particles that are used as carrier systems for PGRs, allowing their controlled release and protecting them from degradation. Successful examples includethe phytohormone gibberellic acid(GA3)-loaded nanoparticles, which showed higherefficacy than the non-nano active ingredient in promoting seed germination andseedling growth, and salicylic acid (SA) and nitric oxide (NO)-releasing nanoparticles as effective plant protection agents against stresses. Polymeric nanomaterialsper se such as chitosan (Cs) can also alter plant signaling pathways and promoteplant growth and development. Despite their great potential in improving the plantproduction with less damage to the environment, relatively few studies have focusedon the use of these nanomaterials for the development of modified release systemsfor PGRs. In this scenario, this review discusses on the major advances and obstaclesin the area.