Nanotechnology is one of the most important tools in modern agriculture, and agri-food nanotechnology is anticipated to become a driving economic force in the near future. Agri-food themes focus on sustainability and protection of agriculturally produced foods, including crops for human consumption and animal feeding. Nanotechnology provides new agrochemical agents and new delivery mechanisms to improve crop productivity, and it promises to reduce pesticide use. Nanotechnology can boost agricultural production, and its applications include: 1) nanoformulations of agrochemicals for applying pesticides and fertilizers for crop improvement; 2) the application of nanosensors/nanobiosensors in crop protection for the identification of diseases and residues of agrochemicals; 3) nanodevices for the genetic manipulation of plants; 4) plant disease diagnostics; 5) animal health, animal breeding, poultry production; and 6) postharvest management. Precision farming techniques could be used to further improve crop yields but not damage soil and water, reduce nitrogen loss due to leaching and emissions, as well as enhance nutrients long-term incorporation by soil microorganisms. Nanotechnology uses include nanoparticle-mediated gene or DNA transfer in plants for the development of insect-resistant varieties, food processing and storage, nanofeed additives, and increased product shelf life. Nanotechnology promises to accelerate the development of biomass-to-fuels production technologies. Experts feel that the potential benefits of nanotechnology for agriculture, food, fisheries, and aquaculture need to be balanced against concerns for the soil, water, and environment and the occupational health of workers. Raising awareness of nanotechnology in the agri-food sector, including feed and food ingredients, intelligent packaging and quick-detection systems, is one of the keys to influencing consumer acceptance. On the basis of only a handful of toxicological studies, concerns have arisen regarding the safety of nanomaterials, and researchers and companies will need to prove that these nanotechnologies do not have more of a negative impact on the environment.

https://www.dovepress.com/getfile.php?fileID=20118

Nanotechnology in agri-food production: an overview.

Use of plant extracts in fish aquaculture as an alternative to chemotherapy: Current status and future perspectives

Hormones, antibiotics, vitamins and several other chemicals have been tested in aquaculture operations for various remedies Even though they give positive effects, they cannot be recommended due to their residual and other side effects The alternative herbal bio-medicinal products in the aquacultural operations, that have the characteristics of growth promoting ability and tonic to improve the immune system, act as appetite stimulators They increase consumption, induce maturation, and have antimicrobial capability and also antistress characteristics that will be of immense use in the culture of shrimps and other fin fishes without any environmental and hazardous problems Herbal compounds such as phenolics, polyphenols, alkaloids, quinones, terpenoids, lectines and polypeptides have been shown to be very effective alternatives to antibiotics and other synthetic compounds The present paper is presented after a careful review of more than 50 herbal plants for their biological effects such as growth promotion, immunostimulation, antistress, antibacterial, antifungal, antivirals, appetite stimulators and aphrodisiac

Herbal biomedicines: a new opportunity for aquaculture industry

All metazoans possess innate immune defence system whereas parameters of the adaptive immune system make their first appearance in the gnathostomata, the jawed vertebrates. Fish are therefore the first animal phyla to possess both an innate and adaptive immune system making them very interesting as regards developmental studies of the immune system. The massive increase in aquaculture in recent decades has also put greater emphasis on studies of the fish immune system and defence against diseases commonly associated with intensive fish rearing. Some of the main components of the innate and adaptive immune system of fish are described. The innate parameters are at the forefront of immune defence in fish and are a crucial factor in disease resistance. The adaptive response of fish is commonly delayed but is essential for lasting immunity and a key factor in successful vaccination. Some of the inherent and external factors that can manipulate the immune system of fish are discussed, the main fish diseases are listed and the pathogenicity and host defence discussed. The main prophylactic measures are covered, including vaccination, probiotics and immunostimulation. A key element in the immunological control of fish diseases is the great variation in disease susceptibility and immune defence of different fish species, a reflection of the extended time the present day teleosts have been separated in evolution. Future research will probably make use of molecular and proteomic tools both to study important elements in immune defence and prophylactic measures and to assist with breeding programmes for disease resistance.

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Immunological Control of Fish Diseases

The mucosal immune system of fish: The evolution of tolerating commensals while fighting pathogens

Potential use of chitosan nanoparticles for oral delivery of DNA vaccine in Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) to protect from Vibrio (Listonella) anguillarum.

S. Rajesh Kumar

Papers

Potential use of chitosan nanoparticles for oral delivery of DNA vaccine in Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) to protect from Vibrio (Listonella) anguillarum.

Screening the antiviral activity of Indian medicinal plants against white spot syndrome virus in shrimp

Immunological responses of Penaeus monodon to DNA vaccine and its efficacy to protect shrimp against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV).

A fish nodavirus associated with mass mortality in hatchery-reared Asian Sea bass, Lates calcarifer

Protective efficiency of DNA vaccination in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) against Vibrio anguillarum.