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Difficulty: MediumBiotechnology and Nanotechnology

With reference to the applications of nanotechnology in modern agriculture, consider the following statements:

1. Nano-encapsulated pesticides allow targeted, controlled release of active chemical ingredients, thereby minimizing runoff and environmental contamination.
2. Nano-fertilizers increase nutrient uptake efficiency in crops by facilitating enhanced penetration through plant stomata and root membranes.
3. Nano-silver particles are widely incorporated into bio-fertilizers because they specifically promote the growth and colonization of beneficial nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 onlyAnswer
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3

Answer

1 and 2 only
The correct response identifies Statements 1 and 2 as accurate applications of agri-nanotechnology. Controlled release via nano-capsules prevents environmental pollution, and small particle size boosts plant cellular transport. Statement 3 is false because silver nanoparticles exert toxic antimicrobial effects on symbiotic soil bacteria and fungi.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 on nano-encapsulated pesticides
Statement 1 is correct.
Polymeric or lipid-based nano-encapsulation shields active pesticide molecules from premature chemical degradation (via UV or hydrolysis), enabling slow, site-specific delivery and reducing pesticide leaching.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 on nano-fertilizers nutrient uptake
Statement 2 is correct.
Due to their ultra-small size (<100 nm) and high surface area, nano-fertilizers pass through plant cuticle micro-pores and stomatal openings more efficiently than conventional macromolecular chemical fertilizers.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 on nano-silver interaction with beneficial soil microbes
Statement 3 is incorrect.
Nano-silver (AgNPs) releases silver ions (Ag+Ag^+) that disrupt bacterial cell walls and metabolic enzymes. Consequently, nano-silver exhibits non-selective bactericidal and fungicidal activity, which can inhibit beneficial soil bacteria (like Rhizobium and Azotobacter) and mycorrhizal fungi rather than promoting them.

Key Concept

Applications and ecotoxicology of agricultural nanotechnology (nano-fertilizers, nano-pesticides, and antimicrobial silver nanoparticles).
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Topics

Biotechnology and Nanotechnology

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