This presentation is done by Palm & latex Technology & Value Addition degree programme students of Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka.

1. NANOTECHNOLOGY USED
IN AGRICULTURE
Uva Wellassa university of Sri lanka
1

2. Introduction
• Nanotechnology refers to controlling, building,
and restructuring materials and devices on the
scale of atoms and molecules
• A nanometer (nm) is one-billionth of a meter
2

3. Nanotechnology for Crop
Biotechnology
• Three-dimensional molecular structures
• DNA crystals
• The DNA crystals have “sticky-ends” or small
cohesive sequences
• lattice-like structure that extends in six different
directions, forming a three-dimensional crystal
• This technique could be applied in improving
important crops
3

4. Nanoparticles and Recycling
Agricultural Waste
• Nanotechnology is also applied to prevent waste
in agriculture
Ex: - cotton industry
Cotton fabric or garment
waste (cellulose or the fibers )
Low -valued products
(cotton balls, yarns)
4

5. Fertilizer or pesticide absorbent
• Scientists produce 100 nanometer-diameter fibers
• It can be used as a fertilizer or pesticide absorbent
• The technique is called as electrospinning
• These high-performance absorbents allow
targeted application at desired time and location.
5

6. Ethanol production
• Ethanol production from maize feedstocks has
increased the global price of maize
• Cellulosic feedstocks are now regarded as a viable
option for biofuels production
• Nanotechnology can enhance the performance of
enzymes used in the conversion of cellulose into
ethanol
6

7. • Scientists are working on nano-engineered
enzymes that will allow simple and cost-effective
conversion of cellulose from waste plant parts
into ethanol
7

8. Disposal of rice husk
• Rice husk can be used as a source of renewable
energy
Rice husk Thermal energy A large amount
or bio fule of high-quality
nanosilica
Making other materials
ex :- glass, concrete
• Through nanotechnology can reduce the growing
risk of rice husk disposal concern
8

9. Nanotech Delivery Systems for Pests,
Nutrients, and Plant Hormones
• Nanosensors and nano-based smart delivery
systems could help in the efficient use of
agricultural natural resources like water, nutrients
and chemicals through precision farming.
• Through the use of nanomaterials and GPS with
satellite imaging of fields, remotely detect crop
pests or evidence of stress such as drought.
9

10. • Once pest or drought is detected, there would be
automatic adjustment of pesticide applications or
irrigation levels.
• Nanosensors dispersed in the field can also
detect the presence of plant viruses and the level
of soil nutrients.
• Nanoencapsulated slow release fertilizers have
also become a trend to save fertilizer
consumption and to minimize environmental
pollution
10

11. • Nanobarcodes and nanoprocessing could be used
to monitor the quality of agricultural produce
• Through nanotechnology, scientists are able to
study plant’s regulation of hormones
ex:- auxin – induce root growth and
seedling establishment
• Has developed a nanosensor that reacts with
auxin
• It can measure auxin concentration at a particular
point using electric signal
• It helps to understand how plant roots adapt to
their environment, especially to marginal soils
11

12. Recent Developments
• The scientists have planned to develop a plastic
storage bag lined with nanoparticles
• A milk container was designed with a
nanopatterned, antimicrobial coating that helps
the diary farmers
• The scientists have planned to develop
nanopatterned paper sensors to detect bovine
pregnancy to determine if the cows will run dry
without milk due to udder infection or pregnancy
12

13. Impacts of nanotechnology in
agriculture
• Have many potential applications in a variety of
fields
• Carbon nanotubes can be used to recognize and
fight viruses and other pathogens
• However, results of studies in animals have raised
concerns about the potential toxicity of
nanoparticles
13

14. Conclusion
• Nanotechnology is capable of being used in
agricultural products that protect plants and
monitor plant growth and detect diseases
• Scientists are still seeking new applications of
nanotechnology in agriculture and the food
industry
• The agricultural sector and the food industry will
indeed see tremendous changes for the better in
the coming years
14

15. 15
Thank
you