Multidimensional Regulation Mechanism and Research Progress of Nanofertilizers on Vegetable Quality

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Food security is challenged by population growth and environmental stress, impacting vegetable production and quality.
• Nanofertilizers (NFs) offer improved bioavailability and plant metabolism regulation for enhanced agricultural outcomes.
• Vegetable quality and yield are critical for food security, necessitating innovative solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effects of nanofertilizers on vegetable quality under nonbiotic stresses.
• To assess the impact of NFs on plant physiology, nutritional content, and postharvest characteristics.
• To identify knowledge gaps and future research directions for NF application in sustainable agriculture.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of 106 studies on nanofertilizer effects.
• Analysis of NF impacts on plant physiological processes (photosynthesis, antioxidant capacity).
• Evaluation of NF effects on vegetable nutritional value and postharvest quality.

Main Results:

• NFs protect photosynthetic systems, reducing chlorophyll degradation and increasing carotenoid content (e.g., 21% in Chinese cabbage).
• NFs enhance antioxidant capacity, decreasing malondialdehyde accumulation by over 50%.
• NFs improve nutritional value (e.g., 28% vitamin C increase in tomatoes) and extend shelf life by 30-50%.

Conclusions:

• Nanofertilizers show significant potential for improving vegetable quality, yield, and postharvest attributes under environmental stress.
• Further research is needed on environmental safety, long-term effects, and species-specific responses to NFs.
• Integrating smart-responsive NFs with precision agriculture can optimize fertilizer use and promote sustainable vegetable production.