Next-generation nano-bio strategies for sustainable fusarium management

Fusarium diseases pose a global challenge to crop productivity, grain quality, and food security, driven by resilient soilborne infections and persistent mycotoxin contamination. Reliance on conventional fungicides has become increasingly unsustainable because of resistance development, ecological toxicity, and stricter residue regulations. This review outlines next-generation nano-bio strategies that integrate nanotechnology with biological and agroecological principles for sustainable Fusarium management. Six complementary nano-bio pillars are examined in this review. These include: (i) phytochemical-coated nanoparticles that integrate green synthesis with antifungal synergy while reduced phytotoxicity; (ii) microbial and fungal nanofactories that generate bio-capped nanoparticles under mild, low-energy conditions; and (iii) stimuli-responsive nanocarriers that enable selective antifungal release in response to Fusarium-specific cues such as acidic pH or enzyme activity. In parallel, the review highlights (iv) multifunctional nanocomposites that simultaneously deliver micronutrients and pathogen suppression; (v) nano-adsorbents designed to capture or catalytically degrade Fusarium mycotoxins during post-harvest storage; and (vi) nano-enabled biocontrol and plant-priming systems that combine beneficial microbes with immune-eliciting nanomaterials to establish layered protection. Beyond economic advantages like lower costs and better yields, this review analyzes current progress and proposes a roadmap to turn lab innovations into effective, real-world agricultural tools. By linking material design logic to ecological function, the article introduces the concept of precision with restraint, a paradigm emphasizing selective activation, degradable interfaces, and ecological harmony rather than chemical intensity. This integrated perspective aims to guide future research toward intelligent, multifunctional, and environmentally compatible nano-bio interventions capable of transforming Fusarium management into a sustainable, data-driven discipline.