Silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs): Challenges and perspectives for sustainable agriculture

In the recent scenario of global warming and climate change, numerous biotic and abiotic stresses inhibit crop growth and development and finally lead to reduced crop productivity. When it comes to overcoming biotic and abiotic constraints for sustainable agriculture, nanotechnology is gradually gaining its position over other approaches. Silicon (Si), one of nature's most beneficial metalloids, provides ameliorative effects against issues related to the environment. Due to their remarkable chemical and optoelectronic properties, silicon/silica nanoparticles (Si/SiO2 NPs) have drawn particular attention. Researchers have found it to be particularly appealing due to its mesoporous structure, ease of nutrient availability, and low biological toxicity. Plants can be supplied with SiNPs through foliar, soil, or seed priming after being synthesized using chemical, physical, or biological techniques. Subsequently, the application and delivery of SiNPs to their target cells exhibit optimal growth, development, and tolerance to environmental stresses, pest attack, and pathogen infection. Compared to synthetic pesticides, SiNPs prevent environmental pollution and risk to non-target organisms. The use of SiNPs in agriculture provides an ecologically and inexpensive solution for sustainability, as they facilitate the uptake of nutrients by plants, helping them to overcome biotic and abiotic stress, and primarily improving plant resistance. This review aims to provide an overview of the effects of SiNPs on plants, their application in different crops, translocation, enhanced crop productivity, interaction with rhizospheric microbiome, and management of insect pests and disease.