Nanotechnology in agriculture. Conceptual illustration. The particles are artistically enlarged and do not represent a microscopic image.
Maintaining healthy crops requires anticipating problems and combining management tools. In this scenario, nanosilicon is attracting interest due to its potential to contribute to plant defense and reduce damage caused by certain organisms. Research with silica nanoparticles shows promising results, but also leaves a clear message: the response depends on the material used, the dose, and the agricultural system evaluated.
What is nanosilicon?
The term nanosilicon is frequently used to describe technologies with silicon-based materials on a nanometric scale. This article focuses on silicon dioxide nanoparticles, or silica, represented by the formula SiO₂.
Silicon, silica, and soluble silicon are not synonyms. Therefore, when comparing technologies, it is necessary to consider the composition and form of the material. The size indicated on the packaging or in an image alone does not describe its behavior: surface characteristics, dispersion stability, and application conditions are all part of the evaluation.
Potential to stimulate plant defenses
One of the most interesting lines of research investigates the ability of silica nanoparticles to stimulate the plant's own defense responses.
In a study published in Nature Nanotechnology, El-Shetehy and colleagues evaluated the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana against the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae. The researchers observed an increase in local and systemic resistance, with the participation of salicylic acid, a signaling molecule of plant defenses. In this experimental system, the entry of particles occurred through the stomata. [1]
The results show that the interaction may involve biological processes, in addition to contact with the leaf surface. However, a response in a model plant does not prove protection against all diseases in soybeans, corn, or vegetables. Each combination of crop, pathogen, and formulation needs to be evaluated.
For the producer, the prospect is to expand the tools that help the plant face sanitary challenges. The research indicates a promising path, without justifying promises of immunity or recovery of already damaged tissues.
What studies show about pests
The potential benefits are also being investigated in insects with different feeding habits.
Thabet and colleagues, in a study published in Scientific Reports, tested silica nanoparticles over two growing seasons in broad bean and soybean crops. The aphid Aphis craccivora, the leafminer fly Liriomyza trifolii , and the caterpillar Spodoptera littoralis. The treatments reduced the populations of the three pests under the studied conditions. [2]
The study also recorded changes in predator populations, including reductions in certain treatments. Therefore, the evaluation of a technology must consider natural enemies, in addition to the pest response. The presence of silica in a formulation does not allow one to presume selectivity. [2]
These findings justify further trials, including for targets of interest to Brazilian agriculture. However, results obtained with one species of caterpillar or with leafminers in broad beans should not be automatically transferred to other species or to melon cultivation.
How to transform potential into profit in the field
The practical question is: under what conditions does the technology add value to management? To answer this, it is necessary to evaluate the product in the crop and target of interest, comparing it to conventional management.
Useful monitoring should include data on the severity of the damage, the progression of the disease or infestation, the condition of the plants, and the economic outcome. Whenever possible, comparing similar areas helps to distinguish the treatment effect from differences in soil, climate, and the severity of the problem.
Nanosilicon should be discussed within the context of integrated pest management, associated with monitoring, cultural practices, and other measures indicated by the technical manager. Experimental doses from scientific articles do not, in themselves, constitute a recommendation for the use of a commercial product.
NanoSil. Institutional image provided by Inocular, indicating 9 nm technology. Illustrative representation of SiO₂ nanospheres, not to scale.
NanoSil and Inocular 's innovation
NanoSil embodies Inocular 's mission to bring nanotechnology closer to the needs of the field. The product image highlights the 9 nm scale, visually representing a technology that operates in dimensions invisible to the naked eye.
The studies presented in this article investigated experimental materials and do not, in isolation, prove the effectiveness of NanoSil against the organisms mentioned. The product's positioning should be based on its technical characteristics, usage guidelines, and specific tests.
Want to learn more about NanoSil discuss its integration into your crop management? Visit www.inocular.com.brinocularNanoSil and speak with the Inocular.
Scientific references
1. EL-SHETEHY, M. et al. Silica nanoparticles enhance disease resistance in Arabidopsis plants. Nature Nanotechnology, vol. 16, p. 344-353, 2021. Access the study.
2. THABET, AF et al. Silica nanoparticles as pesticide against insects of different feeding types and their non-target attraction of predators. Scientific Reports, vol. 11, article 14484, 2021. Access the study.