Nanotechnology for Wheat and Barley Health Management: Current Scenario and Future Prospectus

Abstract

Wheat and barley are the main staple food crops all over the world. In present scenario of ever growing world population, there is a need of continuous increase in wheat and barley production. Unfortunately, both these crops experienced plethora of problems in successful cultivation mainly biotic and abiotic stresses. A lot of attempts have been made to fine tune the agronomic and breeding strategies to cope the stress problems in wheat and barley for attaining maximum potential production. However, these have some constraints and limitations in existing technologies. In this context, there is constant need for practical, rational and accurate technique like nanotechnology which can beat these limitations. A flood of literature demonstrating the application of nanotechnology in the management of biotic and abiotic stress problems in agricultural crops are being published, but very little and fragmentary information in relation to wheat and barley crops is available. In this chapter, attempts have been made to highlight the potential of nanotechnology as a management solution to combat wheat and barley stresses. The chapter specifically describes the potential mechanisms underlying the interactions of nanoparticles with wheat and barley and explores the potential role of engineered nanoparticles. Further, discussion in light of the available literature, as well as the challenges and research gaps that may be instrumental to plan future strategy for timely management of biotic and abiotic stresses have been covered.