The widespread use of fertilizers is a result of the increased global demand for food. The commonly used chemical fertilizers may increase plant growth and output, but they have deleterious effects on the soil, the environment, and even human health. Therefore, nanofertilizers are one of the most promising solutions or substitutes for conventional fertilizers. These engineered materials are composed of nanoparticles containing macro- and micronutrients that are delivered to the plant rhizosphere in a regulated manner. In nanofertilizers, the essential minerals and nutrients (such as N, P, K, Fe, and Mn) are bonded alone or in combination with nano-dimensional adsorbents. This review discusses the development of nanotechnology-based smart and efficient agriculture using nanofertilizers that have higher nutritional management, owing to their ability to increase the nutrient uptake efficiency. Additionally, the synthesis and mechanism of action of the nanofertilizers are discussed, along with the different types of fertilizers that are currently available. Furthermore, sustainable agriculture can be realised by the targeted delivery and controlled release of nutrients through the application of nanoscale active substances. This paper emphasises the successful development and safe application of nanotechnology in agriculture; however, certain basic concerns and existing gaps in research need to be addressed and resolved.

The extensive use of pesticides and fertilizers in conventional farming practices has negative effects on both ecosystems and animals. Reduced usage of agrochemicals is essential to fulfil sustainable agriculture's goal of protecting ecosystems. The use of nanotechnology in farming has the potential to increase the efficiency of inputs while simultaneously reducing the adverse effects on agroecosystems through the proper use of nanoparticles (NPs). Because, bioaccumulation of NPs may case negative impact on ecosystem in term of toxicity. In this context, myco-nanotechnology possesses extensive agricultural applications, particularly in the formulation of innovative nano-agrochemicals. It substantially influences sustainable agriculture by enhancing agricultural output and diminishing the reliance on inorganic fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides along with managing plant abiotic and biotic stress and enhancing agricultural performance. The domain of myco-nanotechnology has garnered considerable interest recently owing to the prospective applications of biosynthesized NPs sourced from mushrooms. The utilization of mushroom extracts is considered significant due to their substantial secretion of biomolecules and enzymes, which serve as effective reducing and stabilizing agents for the biogenic creation of diverse NPs via extracellular or intracellular methods. Although there is a wide variety of mushrooms found around the world, very few demonstrate their potential as nano-agroproducts for sustainable agriculture. Simultaneously, there are concerns that excessive NPs absorption may adversely impact human health and the sustainability of future agriculture. This article provides a brief review of the myco-synthesis of NPs and highlights the potential of mushroom-derived NPs for sustainable agriculture as fungi-mediated NPs. Additionally, this review opens up possibilities for the synthesis of a wide range of NPs based on mushrooms in the future and their application to sustainable agriculture. Graphical Abstract

Background Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (elephant foot yam) is an underutilised tropical tuber crop that is commonly grown in South and Southeast Asia. Traditionally used as a staple or therapeutic food, it is now being seen as a possible contender for addressing food and nutritional security. The crop contains dietary fibre, resistant starch, vital minerals, and bioactive phytochemicals like flavonoids, phenolics, and alkaloids, which have substantial nutraceutical potential. Despite its nutritional value and suitability for marginal soils, the crop is frequently overlooked in conventional food systems and industrial applications. Objectives The purpose of this study is to highlight A. paeoniifolius’ nutritional, functional, and bioactive profile, investigate its potential involvement in sustainable food systems, and evaluate its suitability for generating nutraceuticals and functional foods that contribute to food and livelihood security. Key findings According to compositional analysis, A. paeoniifolius includes a high proportion of complex carbohydrates, little fat, and significant levels of potassium, calcium, and iron. Its phytochemical makeup contains powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic capabilities. Fermentation, blanching, and enzymatic hydrolysis are examples of processing treatments that can considerably increase bioactive chemical availability while decreasing oxalate concentration, hence increasing taste and safety. Emerging research supports its implementation into value-added products such fortified flours, dietary supplements, and functional snacks, which are consistent with sustainable agriculture and circular bioeconomy concepts. Conclusion Underutilised A. paeoniifolius provides a dual benefit of boosting food security and long-term nutraceutical development. Its resistance to severe agroclimatic conditions and strong bioactive profile make it a promising crop for future functional food innovation. Further study and industrialisation could transform this underutilised tuber into an important component of sustainable and health-promoting food systems. Graphical abstract

Biotic and abiotic stressors, including climate crises, are affecting plants’ metabolic and developmental processes, which negatively influence crop performance and the overall resilience of agroecosystems. In response to these stressors, plants have evolved multifaceted defense mechanisms at morphological, physiological, and molecular levels. With the advent of nanotechnology, an emerging field in plant sciences, particularly in agriculture, offers sustainable solutions for the greater benefit of mankind. The potential of nanotechnology as nano-fertilizers in agriculture is immense, offering advantages such as high efficiency, eco-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. Nanoparticles are crucial in modulating plant physiological and biochemical responses, including activating antioxidant defense mechanisms and regulating hormones. They can mitigate excessive reactive oxygen species production under severe stress, help regulate phytohormone signaling, and minimize excessive stress. However, understanding the intricate interactions between nanoparticles and phytohormone synthesis is still in its early stages. For sustainable agricultural production, it’s an urgent requirement to grasp these interactions and to track their regulatory functions to manage abiotic stress-related situations. This review explores the current status and future potential of genomic engineering to enhance abiotic stress tolerance, and the interplay between phytohormones and nanoparticles in alleviating plant stress responses in agriculture. Finally, we identify critical knowledge gaps to inform the development of future climate-smart cultivars and sustainable agricultural practices.