Researchers Examine the Impact of Nanotechnology to Crop Growth and Development

Mar 04, 2024

Researchers from South Africa reviewed the usage of nanotechnology and proteomic tools in boosting crop growth and development. Their role in the genetic engineering of crops to achieve agricultural sustainability was also examined.

Nanoparticles have distinct physical and chemical properties that allow them to have many applications in different fields. However, it has limited usage in agriculture due to safety concerns. Because of this, the potential of nanoparticles is not heavily explored.

Researchers from different institutions in South Africa reviewed the effects of using nanoparticles and proteomic tools in agriculture. Their findings showed that nanoparticles significantly affect the plants' growth and development, which boosts their tolerance to drought and salinity stress.

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Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.