Nanoherbicides for Efficient, Safe, and Sustainable Weed Management: A Review

Weeds are a significant factor affecting crop yield and quality. Herbicides have made crucial contributions to ensuring stable and high grain production, but the low effective utilization rate and short duration of traditional formulations have led to excessive application and a range of ecological and environmental issues. Nanoherbicides, particularly carrier-coated systems, can simultaneously leverage the small size, large specific surface area, and high permeability of nanoparticles, as well as the multifunctionality of carriers, to synergistically enhance the efficacy and safety of the formulations. This provides a scientific and promising strategy for overcoming the functional deficiencies of traditional formulations. Nevertheless, there are currently relatively few articles that systematically review the research progress and performance advantages of nanoherbicides. This review provides a concise overview of the preparation methods and structural characteristics of nanoherbicides. It primarily highlights the classification of carrier-coated nanoherbicides, along with representative studies and their distinctive properties across various categories. Based on this foundation, the performance advantages of nanoherbicides are systematically summarized. Finally, the major challenges and future prospects in this research field are proposed. This review offers valuable insights and methodological guidance for the design and rational application of efficient, environmentally friendly nanoherbicides.