Nanotechnology Application

Capturing Thematic Intervention of Nanotechnology in Agriculture Sector: A
Scientometric Approach
Authors : Dr. Madhulika Bhati1, Kirti Bansal2 and Radhika Rai3
1
Scientist, CSIR-National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies
2,3
Project Staff,CSIR-NISTADS
Abstract:
Nanoscience and nanotechnology application for agriculture is of utmost importance for the sustainable
development of our future society and economics. To meet the goal of sustainable development, there is a
continuous research effortworldwide;there are a variety of research priorities among countries. This chapter
will not only provide a concise summary of the overall structure of the target research domain and emerging
research topics relevant to nanotechnology and agricultural but it will also able to provide the S & T
interventions worldwide available, identification and road mapping for the requirement of technologies that
need to be immediately develop as a solution to existing challenges in the agriculture sector.
This chapter offers an intellectual basis for constructing a roadmap of nanotechnology application in
the agriculture sector. Knowledge obtained through publication databases like Web of Science and Patent
databases like Espacenet, USPTO, WIPO as well as by studying policy framework creating enabling
environment to promote this kind of research in developing and developed nation, etc. will allow us to map
research related to nanotechnologyfor the agriculture value chain, identifying and prioritizing research needs
across this value chain, and assessing the environmental and societal implications of this emerging
technology in the agriculture sector.
Besides this, the chapter also analyses the characteristics and the evolution of international
collaboration of nanotechnology agricultural research in a global context, in hope of providing an objective
reference for future policy-making, which may help governments to find influential partners to utilize
resources as well as know -how globally.
Keywords:Nanotechnology, Agriculture, Publication and Patent analysis, Research collaboration, policy

framework
Introduction
Agriculture has always been the backbone and consider as fuel to the economy of developing countries. It is always
the most important and stable sector because it produces and provides raw materials for food and feed industries.
Recent agriculture practices have greatly increased the global food supply. But, they have also had an inadvertent,
adverse impact on ecosystem services, highlighting the need for more sustainable agricultural methods. Excessive
and inappropriate use of fertilizers and pesticides has not increased nutrients but toxins also. Long term irrigation
and drainage practices have accelerated the rate of weathering of soil minerals, turned soil acidic and eventual
desertion of farming lands. Intensive use of fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation has also caused extensive damage to
carbon profile in soils and contaminated with harmful trace metals and pesticide residues. Degraded ecosystem has
become a serious threat to human health. It is not practically possible to clean these lands without relocating
farmers.
Nanotechnology in agriculture has gained momentum after realization that the drawbacks of conventional farming
technologies as it neither help to increase productivity nor restore ecosystems damaged by existing technologies in
conjunction with agriculture implementation practices like irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides. These all have been
questioned both at the scientific and policy levels and must be gradually phased out.
Nanotechnology preceded the industrial revolution by around 90 centuries. However, seed of research on
the application of nanotechnology in agriculture has been started in several countries is earmarked by the policy
makers to ensure national food security with the limited availability of land and water resources. Avenue for
achieving the demand is possible only by increasing productivity and income per unit of the scarce natural resources
through effective use of improved technologies. This necessitates the continuous flow of new technologies into this
sector [1]. Industrial, information, biotechnological and recently the nanotechnology has taken the course in the
developmental era. The agriculture is not an exception, thus it is also under constant developmental transformation
to meet the changing needs and domains. Researchers [2] have opined that among several advancements in science,
the nanotechnology (NT) is a rapidly evolving field that has the potential to revolutionize food production systems.
An analysis from China[3] have demonstrated the Nanoscale science and nanotechnology potentialities in providing
novel and improved solutions to many grand challenges facing agriculture today and in the future.
While the seeds of research in nanotechnology started growing for industrial applications nearly half a
century ago, the momentum for the use of nanotechnology in agriculture came only recently with the reports
published by the United States Department of Agriculture [4] and Kuzma and VerHage [5] along with similar
publications. These reports focused on identifying the research areas that should be funded, and thus set the agenda
for nanotechnology research in agricultural applications, which became the principal guiding force for many nations,
especially those where agriculture is the primary occupation of the majority of the population. However, the
conceptual framework, investigation pathways, and guidelines and safety protocols were left aside for scientific
laboratories to innovate.
Nanotechnology has the potentialto minimize adverse problems related to agriculture, improve food
security, productivity and in promoting social and economic equity. There are various nanomaterial-based systems
and nanodevicesreported which includes nanosensors for agricultural practices like monitoring of soil quality;
nanodevices that could provide benefits on the food supply chain and management of soil and waste; nanofertilizers
and nanopesticides to trail products and nutrients levels to increase the productivity without decontamination of
soils, waters, and protection against several insect pest and microbial diseases.;nanomaterials for controlled release
of nutrient in crop etc. Some of the vital applications of nanotechnology in agriculture are discussed and
schematically drawn in below figure.
[Insert Figure 1 here]
Figure 1: Some vital applications of nanotechnology in agriculture

Source: Constructed by authors
Smart Monitoring Technologies
1. Nano-d
In context to development of analytical devices dedicated to the control of quality, bio/security and safety,
nanosensors represent a powerful tool with advanced and upgraded features compared to existing analytical sensors
and biosensors. Nanosensors are defined as analytical devices having at least one sensing dimension not greater than
100nm [6]. The nanosensors are formulated for examining physico-chemical properties in places otherwise difficult
to reach. Nanotubes, nanowires and nanocrystals are generally used to optimize the signal transduction arising by
sensing elements in respond to exposure to biological and chemical analytes having similar size. They have
exclusive surface chemistry and discrete thermal, electrical and optical properties useful to enhance sensitivities and
improve detection limits. Nanosensors give assistance in decision-making in crop monitoring, accurate analysis of
nutrients and pesticides in soil, or for maximizing the efficiency of water use for a smart agriculture. Measurement
of soil parameters (pH, temperature, and soil humidity), detection of pathogens and prediction of nitrogen uptake are
only few examples to promote a sustainable farming. Networks of nanosensors located throughout cultivated fields
will assure a real time and comprehensive monitoring of the crop growth, furnishing effective high-quality data for
best management practices.
Laboratory analytical techniques, such as surface plasmon resonance, mass spectrometry, chromatography, or
electrophoresis chips, can support the development of viable sensor components. However, the real need of the
market is the realization of mechanized embedded systems, which integrate biosensing components with
micro/nanofluidics, datamanagement hardware, and remote control by wireless networks.
2. Electronic-Nose (E-Nose)
A research paper from USA [7] provides a comprehensive review and summary of a broad range of electronic-nose
technologies and applications, developed specifically for the agriculture industry.
A wide variety of sensor technologies are utilized in modern agriculture and forestry to obtain accurate
information on crop, soil, weather, and environmental conditions. The invention of diverse electronic nose (e-nose)
sensor types and instruments, based on different electronic aroma detection (EAD) principles and mechanisms,
allow the acquisition of real-time information about the chemical and physical nature and quality of plants and
animal products throughout the entire food and fiber production cycle. Electronic noses have far greater potential to
be customized for unskilled laborers and for innumerable practical and mechanized applications in the agricultural
and forest-products industries.
E-nose devices offer numerous applications in a wide range of agricultural industry related sectors which
include food industry, agricultural industry and forestry. Agricultural sector further includes multitude of functions
ranging from agronomy, biotechnology processing, botany, cell culture, environmental monitoring, horticulture,
pesticide detection, plant physiology and pathology etc. Applications in forestry include uses in chemotaxonomy,
log tracking, wood and paper processing, forest management, forest health protection, and waste management.
Applications in food industry cover aroma analysis, adulteration with cheaper components, control of food
processing parameters, quality assessment and storage of food.Some of the most common applications of e-noses
from a wide range of agricultural industries are described in following figure.
Figure 2. Applications of E- Nose Sensor Technologies in various sectors

Source: Constructed by authors
Nanofertilizers andNanopesticides
Every agrochemical has some potential issues including contamination of water and that threat the human being and
environmental health. It is well known that insect pests are the predominant ones in the agricultural fields and also in
its products, thus nanoparicles may havekey role in the control of insect pests and host pathogens. The recent
development of a nanoencapsulated pesticide formulation has slow releasing properties with enhanced solubility,
specificity, permeability and stability [8]. These assets are mainly achieved through either protecting the
encapsulated active ingredients from premature degradation or increasing their pest control efficacy for a longer
period. Formulation of nanoencapsulated pesticides led to reduce the dosage of pesticides and human beings’
exposure to them which is environmentally friendly for crop protection [9]. In the recent decade nanofertilizers are
freely available in the market, but particularly the agricultural fertilizers are still not shaped. Nanofertilizers may
contain nano zinc, silica, iron and titanium dioxide, ZnCdSe/ZnS core shell QDs, InP/ZnS core shell QDs (quantum
dots), Mn/ZnSe QDs, gold nanorods, core shell QDs, etc. as well as should endorse control release and improve the
its quality.
Some of the research in this area includesnanosensing of pesticides by zinc oxide quantum dot: an optical
and electrochemical approach for the detection of pesticides in water[10]. The study conducted by Indian scientists
study revealed the low concentrations (similar to 4 ppm) of pesticide sensing vis-a-vis degradation of pesticides with
the help of nontoxic zinc oxide quantum dots (QD). Silver nanoparticles synthesized from the entomopathogenic
fungus Beauveria bassiana for insect management in agriculture [11]. The development of nano-based pesticide
formulation aims at precise release of necessary and sufficient amounts of their active ingredients in responding to
environmental triggers and biological demands through controlled release mechanisms [12].
Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs)
Carbon nanotube system consists of two-dimensional graphite layers rolled into a tube. Its tensile strength nearly
200 GPa [13], thus ideal for reinforced composites and nano electro-mechanical systems. Moreover, its metallic or
semiconducting property makes it a good candidate to create electronic circuits or even complete nanodevice which
confers unique conductive, optical and thermal properties for applications in agri-field and indevelopment of
sustainable agricultural conditions. Delivery of agrochemicals through CNT based delivery systems help to reduce
the amount of chemicals released into the environment as well as the damage to other plant tissues. The effect of
multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) or C-60 fullerenes on the uptake of weathered chlordane or DDx (DDT +
metabolites) by Cucurbita pepo (zucchini), Zea mays (corn), Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), and Glycine max
(soybean) was investigated [14] through GC-MS. The data showed that pesticide accumulation varies greatly with
crop species and carbon nanomaterial type/concentration. A novel method of digestion coupled with programmed
thermal analysis (PTA) was developed for quantitative analysis of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in plant
(lettuce) tissues and provide critical information for evaluating the risk of exposure to CNTs through crops [15].
Nanoencapsulation
Encapsulation is a process in which the given object is surrounded by a coating or embedded in homogeneous or
heterogeneous matrixand thus the process results in formation of micro capsules with many useful properties. The
benefits of encapsulation include protection of substances/objects from adverse environments, for controlled release
of nutrients and for precision targeting. Nanocapsules are vesicular systems in which the substances are confined to
a cavity consisting of an inner liquid core enclosed by a polymeric membrane.
Micro nanoparticles are gaining significant attention due to its vital use in delivery of drugs for protection
and increase in bioavailability of food components or nutraceuticals, for food fortification and for the self-healing of
several materials, and also it possesses big prospective phenomenon in plant science. Some fabrication of
nanocapsules for pesticide analysis has been done, for example Fabrication of Au nanorod-coated Fe3O4
microspheres were designed and used for detection of pesticide residues that are annually used in agriculture by
near-infrared (NIR) excitation [16], Gold nanoparticles grafted on dendritic alpha-Fe2O3 and dispersed in the liquor
[17]. These microparticles can be adsorbed on the target surface. Therefore, it can be used for in situ detection of
pesticide residues on tea leaves, fruits etc. Chitosan nanoparticle-based delivery systems (encapsulating
agrochemicals and genetic material in a chitosan matrix) allowing them to serve as efficient gene delivery systems
for plant transformation or controlled release of pesticides [18].
PUBLICATION ANALYSIS
Data was obtained from Web of Science (WOS), the scientific citation indexing service by Thomson Reuters, which
provides a comprehensive citation search. The WOS gives access to multiple databases, which helps in in-depth
exploration of scientific literature as well as their analysis. For this scientometric analysis, a keyword search was
performed to identify the top five countries which are working in the area of use of nanotechnology in agricultural
sector and their studies published during 2000-2018 years in the “WOS Core Collection”database [19]. The search
was carried out by inserting (nano* AND agriculture) as keywords in the topic field of search-engine. 1252 results
obtained from Web of Science Core Collection by searching in TOPIC field.
The top 5 countries according to analysis are United States, China, India, Brazil and Iran working in
agricultural sector using nanotechnology. Table 1 shows the top five countries with their top institutes indicating the
total number of their publications.We further mentioned the research focus of top three countries i.e. USA, China
and India with research analysis of their top three institutes.
Table 1 Annual publication rate:Total publications were 1252. The trend shows an increase in publications over
2000 to 2018-time span.
S.No. Year No. of Publications % Share (of 1252)
1. 2000 4 0.32
2. 2001 3 0.24
3. 2002 3 0.24
4. 2003 3 0.24
5. 2004 5 0.39
6. 2005 5 0.39
7. 2006 11 0.88
8. 2007 19 1.52
9. 2008 20 1.59
10. 2009 41 3.23
11. 2010 37 2.95
12. 2011 46 3.67
13. 2012 67 5.35
14. 2013 83 6.62
15. 2014 93 7.42
16. 2015 149 11.90
17. 2016 187 14.93
18. 2017 234 18.69
19. 2018 242 19.32
A search was made in web of science core database using keywords (nano* AND agriculture) in the topic bar
between the years 2000 and 2018. Total results obtained were 1252, which were analysed year wise showed in
below figure 3.
Figure 3. Year wise publication record

Source: Data collected from Web of Science core collection database
Table 2: Leading nations in publication numbers: Nearly twenty per cent of the publications are from USA,
distantly followed by countries China, India, Brazil, Iran and Italy.
S.No. Country No. of Publications % Share (of 1252)
1. USA 247 19.72
2. Peoples R China 231 18.45
3. India 201 16.05
4. Brazil 78 6.23
5. Iran 66 5.27
6. Italy 56 4.47
7. Germany 46 3.67
8. Spain 42 3.35
9. South Korea 39 3.11
10. France 35 2.79
11. England 34 2.71
12. Canada 32 2.55
13. Australia 31 2.47
14. Japan 31 2.47
15. Poland 29 2.31
16. Malaysia 27 2.15
17. Saudi Arabia 26 2.07
18. Egypt 24 1.91
19. Netherlands 23 1.83
20. Switzerland 22 1.75
United States of America are most prolific country in research publications in this area. India is also emerging as a
key player in the global publications in this area. India positioned itself 3rd after leading countries like USA and
China. It shows India is continuously working in studying potentials of nanotechnology applications in agricultural
sciences for economic development and to develop the sustainable path in order to gain solutions to unresolved field
problems. Overall, if we look at the total publications from all years (2000-2018), India is able to make its visibility
among top 10 countries (3rd position). The below figure 4showed the top publishing countries data in agricultural
sector using nanotechnology.
Figure 4. Top publishing countries record

Table 3: Top Institutes working in this field are:
S.No. Institutes Country to which No. of % Share (of 1252)

Institute Belongs Publications
1. Chinese Academy of Sciences China 35 2.79
2. Universidade Estadual Paulista Brazil 32 2.55
3. Universidade Estadual De Brazil 27

Campinas 2.15
4. Centre National De La Recherche France 23

Scientifique Cnrs 1.83
5. Indian Institute of Technology India 24
System IIt System 1.91
6. Indian Council of Agricultural India 22

Research ICAR 1.75
7. University of California System USA 22 1.75
8. Islamic Azad University Iran 19 1.51
9. United States Department of USA 19

Agriculture (USDA) 1.51
10. Council of Scientific &Industrial India 19

Research (CSIR) 1.51
11. Universidade De Sao Paulo Brazil 15 1.19
12. Universite Cote D Azur Comue France 15 1.19
13. Chinese Academy of Agricultural China 14

Sciences 1.11
14. University of Massachusetts USA 14

Amherst 1.11
15. University of Massachusetts System USA 14 1.11
16. State University System of Florida USA 13 1.03
17. University of California Santa USA 13

Barbara 1.03
18. Banaras Hindu University India 12 0.95
19. China Agricultural University China 11 0.87
20. Connecticut Agr Expt Stn USA 11 0.87
[Insert figure 5 here]
Figure 5. Top publishing institutes record

The countries that involved in top 20 publishing institutes are China, Brazil, USA, India, France and Iran. Brazil has
3 institutes namely Universidade Estadual Paulista, Universidade Estadual De Campinas and Universidade De Sao
Paulo. China that has three institutes namely Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural
Sciences and China Agricultural University. USA has seven institutes namely University of California System,
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of
Massachusetts System, State University System of Florida, University of California Santa Barbara and Connecticut
Agr Expt Stn. India has four institutes namely Indian Institute of Technology System IIt System, Indian Council of
Agricultural Research (ICAR), Council of Scientific &Industrial Research (CSIR) and Banaras Hindu University.
France and Iran has two and one institutes namely Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique Cnrs and
Universite Cote D Azur Comue; and Islamic Azad University respectively.
Among top ten institutes working in agricultural and nanotechnology field, India has three institutes; the
highest number of institutes in top ten according to number of publications published as shown in Figure 5. Number
of institutes in the list of top ten publishing institutes indicated in brackets of each country is as China (1), Brazil (2),
France (1), India (3), USA (2) and Iran (1).
Table 4: Top Five Countries working in agricultural sector using nanotechnology with their institutes
S.No USA (247) CHINA (231) INDIA (201) BRAZIL (78) IRAN (66)
.
1. UNIVERSITY OF CHINESE INDIAN UNIVERSIDADE ISLAMIC

CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF INSTITUTE OF ESTADUAL AZAD
SYSTEM (22) SCIENCES (35) TECHNOLOGY PAULISTA (32) UNIVERSITY
SYSTEM IIT (19)
SYSTEM (24)
2. UNITED STATES CHINESE INDIAN UNIVERSIDADE UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF ACADEMY OF COUNCIL OF ESTADUAL DE OF TEHRAN
AGRICULTURE AGRICULTURAL AGRICULTURA CAMPINAS (27) (8)
USDA (19) SCIENCES (14) L RESEARCH
ICAR (22)
3. UNIVERSITY OF CHINA COUNCIL OF UNIVERSIDADE TEHRAN

MASSACHUSETT AGRICULTURAL SCIENTIFIC DE SAO PAULO UNIVERSITY
S AMHERST (14) UNIVERSITY (11) INDUSTRIAL (15) OF MEDICAL
RESEARCH CSIR SCIENCES (6)
INDIA (19)
4. UNIVERSITY OF ZHEJIANG BANARAS UNIVERSIDADE ISFAHAN

MASSACHUSETT UNIVERSITY (10) HINDU DE SOROCABA UNIVERSITY
S SYSTEM (14) UNIVERSITY (11) OF
(12) TECHNOLOG
Y (5)
5. STATE UNIVERSITY OF ICAR INDIAN EMPRESA UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY SCIENCE AGRICULTURA BRASILEIRA DE OF TABRIZ (5)
SYSTEM OF TECHNOLOGY OF L RESEARCH PESQUISA
FLORIDA (13) CHINA (9) INSTITUTE (8) AGROPECUARI
A EMBRAPA (10)
6. UNIVERSITY OF UNIVERSITY OF SANT GADGE UNIVERSIDADE FERDOWSI

CALIFORNIA MASSACHUSETT BABA FEDERAL DE UNIVERSITY
SANTA BARBARA S AMHERST (7) AMRAVATI SAO CARLOS MASHHAD (4)
(13) UNIVERSITY (7) (10)
7. CONNECTICUT UNIVERSITY OF DEFENCE BANARAS TARBIAT

AGR EXPT STN MASSACHUSETT RESEARCH HINDU MODARES
(11) S SYSTEM (7) DEVELOPMENT UNIVERSITY (6) UNIVERSITY
ORGANISATION (4)
DRDO (6)
8. UNIVERSITY OF HUAZHONG DEPARTMENT UNIVERSIDADE ACADEMIC

TEXAS SYSTEM AGRICULTURAL OF SCIENCE FEDERAL DO CENTER FOR
(10) UNIVERSITY (6) TECHNOLOGY PARANA (5) EDUCATION
INDIA (6) CULTURE
RESEARCH
ACECR (3)
9. UNIVERSITY OF GUANGXI UNIVERSIDADE UNIVERSIDADE PAYAME

CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY (5) ESTADUAL FEDERAL DO NOOR
DAVIS (8) PAULISTA (6) RIO DE JANEIRO UNIVERSITY
(5) (3)
10. UNIVERSITY OF JIANGSU VELLORE INSTITUTE SHAHID

FLORIDA (8) NORMAL INSTITUTE OF NACIONAL DE BAHONAR
UNIVERSITY (5) TECHNOLOGY PESQUISAS DA UNIVERSITY
(6) AMAZONIA (4) OF KERMAN
SBUK (3)
We analysed from above table that USA is at top with nearly twenty per cent of the publications followed by China,
India, Brazil and Iran. We further analysed the research methodology of top three countries by analyzing the work
done by top three institutes of each country.
UNITED STATES
From above research institutes publication analysis, it was found that the total publication from USA in (nano* and
Agriculture) string was 247. The top three institutes of USA namely University of California System,United States
Department of Agriculture USDA and University of Massachusetts Amherst published 22, 19 and 14 publications
respectively.
University of California Systemattempts to apply nanotechnology in agriculture that would be able to increase
productivity, increase plant growth, managing waste streams [20], food quality and packaging and storage
techniques, nanotechnology of agrochemicals i.e. inclusion of nanopesticides and nanosensor technologies for soil
remediation, genetic engineering of plants to enhance agronomic performance, nanocapsules for delivery of
nutrients, nanofertilizers for soil management and many more. The chief research methodologies that USA is
practiced includes quantitative analysis throughproton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gas
chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry [21] (GC-MS), inductively coupled plasma- mass spectrometry
(ICP-MS) based metabolomics to identify engineered nanomaterials effect on plant growth, crop yield and
soilquality. The research also identifies the risk associated with different engineered nanomaterials [22] across the
subcellular, population, community and ecosystem levels; food quality viz. understanding of the role of chitosans in
upgrading foodborne illness, implications of agrochemicals in food system and use of liposomal nanocapsules in
food system.
The crops which are specifically studied in ,United States Department of Agriculture USDA and University
of Massachusetts Amherst, USA are soybean for growth and yield in soil amended with nanomaterial (nano-CeO2
[23], nano-ZnO), to increase its chlorophyll level (Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles i.e. SPIONs),
Cucumber plant to reveal defense and detoxification mechanism under various nano material stress, its metabolites
profile and fruit nutritional supply (mainly nano-Cu, nano-Ag), Spinach plant to assess metabolic alterations induced
by Cu(OH)(2) nanopesticide in its leaves, iron oxide based nanoparticles as a potential fertilizers for Peanut, as a
insecticidal activity for Bt-transgenic cotton [24]and to assess the effects of gamma-Fe2O3 nanoparticles on plant
physiology of Citrus maxima and Biodegradable pH-responsive polysuccinimide nanoparticles (PSI-NPs) are
synthesized for directly delivering agrochemicals to plant phloem to improve their efficacy and mitigating phloem-
limited diseases, such as citrus huanglongbing [25].
The various research and technology conducted by these institutes includes Thermal Analysis for
Quantification of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs)in Plant Tissuesto provide critical information for evaluating
the risk of exposure to CNTs through crops [26], , in vitro and in vivo characterization of nanopartcles in both
growth media and biological matrices, nanopartcle uptake patterns, biotransformation, and the underlying
mechanisms of nanotoxicity in different crops, insights on preservation and dehydration of bacteriophages [27] by
electrospinning in comparison to freeze drying and liquid storage, and the influence of excipients on the viability of
bacteriophages, Interactions between engineered nanomaterials and agricultural crops for implications for food
safety, Chemical and biological study of cladosporin [28] which has great potential utility as a lead compound in
the development of agrochemicals against certain plant pathogens and many more.
CHINA
It was found that the total publication from China in (nano* and Agriculture) string was 231. The top three
institutes of China namely Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and China
Agricultural University published 35, 14 and 11 publications respectively.
The Chinese academy of sciences is the national academy for the natural sciences of the People’s republic of China.
Headquartered in Xicheng District, it is an institution of China functioning as the national scientific think tank and
academic governing body, providing advisory and appraisal services on issues stemming from the national
economy, social development, and science and technology progress. In this chapter we found that the academy
gives the clear understanding of nano-impacts, including the advantages and disadvantages, on crop plants will help
to optimize the safe and sustainable application of nanotechnology in agriculture for the purposes of enhanced yield
production, disease suppression, and food quality.
They developed the various technologies including microencapsulation formulations; biogenic synthesis
of nanoparticles, with the aim of improving the biological control of pathogens and contributing to sustainable
agricultural practices; pesticides detection through colorimetric sensor array [29]; development of humidity sensors
based on polymer/gold nanoparticle (AuNP) hybrid materials [30]; nanofiltration membranes like graphene oxide
membranes for water purification; formulations of nanoparticles composed of chitosan (CS) and sodium
tripolyphosphate (TPP) to undermine its adverse impacts on human health; seedling transplant in plastic mulch [31]
to achieve the high quality and yieldof crops; applications of nanozymes in agriculture; developments of nano-
carbons for soil erosion control [32]; on-site detection of pesticide residues using doped quantum dots;
nanocomposites used as an excellent fertilizer synergist (FS); nanoclays as a chemical fertiliser loss control agent for
loss control fertilizer [33]; nanobodies (Nbs)-based electrochemical immunosensor which are highly selective for
toxin proteins detection in food; nanofluidic channels and nanorods for quick enrichment of trace pesticide
molecules; periodic silver nanodishes used to detect thiram, a fungicide that has been extensively used as a pesticide
in agriculture and highly sensitive gold nanoparticles that allows detection of pesticides in real samplessuch as
agricultural products and river water.
The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciencesis a national, integrative agricultural scientific research
organization dedicated to overcoming a broad range of challenges impacting agricultural development and support
of the local rural economy. Headquartered in Beijing, the academy aligns its research priorities with the so-called
Three Rural Issues in China: agriculture, rural community, and farmers.The technology includes development of
nano-based pesticide formulations and their impacts on natural degradation and biosafety of pesticide residues;
formulation of novel nanoemulsion to increase the insecticidal ability; investigation of phytotoxicity of silver
nanoparticles to peanut[34]; synthesis of specific nanobody- polyclonal antibody sandwich ELISA for monitoring
Aspergillus spp. contamination in agricultural products[35]; effects of nanomaterial treated water for plant
protection and production; development of Cellulose Nanofibers as natural stimulants for seed germination and
seedling growth; use of nano-TiO2 Photo Semiconductors[36] in plant germination and growth, crop disease
control, water purification, and pesticide residue detection with improved performance.
China Agricultural University is one of the top key ranked universities in China. It developed engineered
nanomaterials for promoting crop growth and resistance to viral infection; investigated the effects of silver
nanoparticles and iron-based nanoparticles on peanut yield [37]& quality and in the cultivation of peanut plants
respectively; studied the effects of iron oxide nanoparticles on physiology and insecticide activity in non-Transgenic
and Bt-transgenic cotton; implications of nanoparticles on GM plants in agriculture for food security and food safety
and uptake, transport, distribution and bio-effects of SiO2 nanoparticles in Bt-Transgenic cotton.
INDIA
The increasing use of nanoparticles and their occurrence in the environment has made it imperative to elucidate their
impact on the environment. India, too conducted various researches in this field. According to analysis, total
publication from India in (nano* and Agriculture) string was 201. The top three institutes which are doing major
research in this field from India are Indian Institute of Technology System, Indian Council of Agricultural Research
and Council of Scientific & Industrial Research with 24, 22 and 19 publications respectively.
IIT-Kanpur, IIT-Dhanbad, IIT-Delhi, IIT-Bombay, IIT-Kharagpur and IIT-Roorkee are major Indian
Intstitute of Technology Systems (IITs) that doing research in the nanotechnology system profitable in agricultural
system. The research focus mainly on assessing the implication of engineered nanomaterials on agriculture,
development of various nanosensors for assessing soil fertility and production of potable water used in agriculture
through nanocomposites. Some of the research are as follows- the use of iron pyrite nanoparticles(FeS2+H2O) as
seed treatment agent for Spinach Crop [38], nanocomposite-based scaffold of GF and titanium
nitride nanofibers (GF-TiN NFs) as soil nutrient sensors, photocatalytic degradation of dyes using TiO 2
nanoparticles [39] and after that purified water used in agriculture, Polymer-based micro-electro-mechanical system
(MEMS) and nano-electro-mechanical system (NEMS) sensors [40] for sensing environmental parameters, such as
humidity and temperature, Reuse potential of nanoparticles(Cuo, ZnO) contaminated wastewater for irrigation of
spinach crop, Graphene quantum dot soil moisture sensor [41]to measure moisture content, preparation of
green nanocomposites of biodegradable poly(vinyl-alcohol-co-ethylene) to improve the biodegradability, as well as
the thermal stability of the composite films in agriculture [42], iron pyrite (FeS2) and molybdenum disulphide
(MoS2) nanoparticles showed the potential to enhance the primary metabolites when administered during
germination of Ajwain Seeds.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research focuses on nano-particle based delivery systems of pesticides,
regulation of enzyme activities through various nanoparticles used and review of phytopathogen detection devices
with smart sensing capabilities for field use. Some of the research includes encapsulation of agrochemicals in a
chitosan matrix for controlled release of pesticides[43], investigation of bioaccumulation of Cu nano-particles in
maize plant, Crosslinked guar gum-g-polyacrylate (cl-GG-g-PA) superabsorbent hydrogels [44] were prepared to
explore their potential as soil conditioners and carriers, Nanodiagnostics for plant pathogens, synthesis of green cu
nanoparticles i.e. from plants and their effect on environment, assessed the activity of enzymes in potato plant
through zinc nanoparticle which was higher compared to control plants and potential use of silver nanoparticles for
insect management.
Council of Scientific & Industrial Research explored the preparation of nanoparticles from plant sources-
referred as green synthesis this process involves plant extracts which consists of sugars, polyphenols, terpenoids,
proteins, etc. In one of the papers, an eco-friendly green and one-pot synthesis of highly monodispersed iron
(Fe) nanoparticles (NPs) by using a natural biopolymer, gum kondagogu (GK) as reducing and capping agent is
proposed [45]. Phytochemicals act as a reducing agent to maintain the minerals in reduced state during the synthesis
process, their excretory products are highly biodegradable and hence no adverse effect to the environment. Also, the
organization focuses on preparation of nano-minerals through nanotechnology especially trace minerals whose
bioavailability is low. In animal nutrition point of view, these studies have suggested that feeding
of nanoparticles improved the digestive efficiency, immunity and performance in livestock and poultry. The use of
organophosphate pesticides (OPs) for pest control in agriculture has caused serious environmental problems
throughout the world. OPs are highly toxic with the potential to cause neurological disorders in humans. Therefore,
Sensing approaches like fluorescence nanomaterials based sensors, molecular imprinted (MIP) sensors [46],
electrochemical sensors, and biosensors to facilitate routine analysis of organophosphate pesticides (OPs) have been
studied. The surface water bodies have become very much susceptible to pollution by pesticides due to their
increased application in agriculture. The production of potable water from pesticide contaminated lake and river
water was investigated by a coagulation-adsorption-nanofiltration approach.
Collaboration Analysis
We analysed the collaboration and co-citation networks at the national and international level to identify the
organisations working in nanotechnology sector regarding agriculture. Data was obtained from Web of Science
(WOS), WOS Core Collection database during 2000-2018 years.The search was carried out by inserting (nano*
AND agriculture) as keywords in the topic field of search-engine. The data is compiled in the following tables:
A total of 180 publications were analysed for identifying the collaboration of top three institutes of top
three countries i.e. USA, China and India which is compiled in the following tables. We have included collaboration
of each institute national (within departments and outside department) as well as international level.
Analysis of USA top three Institutes
The top three institutes of USA areUniversity of California System, United States Department of Agriculture USDA
and University of Massachusetts Amherst.We found that the USA had done research in the field of nanotechnology at
international level with collaboration of various countries including Iran, Portugal, Spain, China, Japan, South Korea,
Canada etc. But collaboration with China tops the most among various other countries that has been mentioned above.
At the national level various universities/institutes had been involved but Lowa State University,NASA Jet Prop Lab,
Connecticut Agr Expt Stn, Dept Environm Science; University of Texas El Paso and Xradia, Pleasanton; and Florida
Atlantic University were contributed largely.
Table 5.Collaboration Analysis of University of California System
Institutional collaboration  Bren Sch Environm Sci & Management

 Earth Res Inst
 Ctr Environ Implication nanotechnology
 Dept Chem & Environ Engg
 Dept Ecol Evol & Marine Biol
 Dept Chem Engg & Material Sci
 UC Ctr Environm Implicat Nanotechnol UC CEIN
 Dept Environm Toxicol
 Mat Res Lab
 Neurosci Res Inst
 Inst Collaborat Biotechnol
 Dept Chem & Biochem
 Dept Mech engg
USA Other institutes  NASA Jet Prop Lab

 Lowa State University
 Xradia, Pleasanton, USDA
 University of Texas El Paso
 University of Texas System
 Cambridge Harvard university
 Sustainable Nanotechnol Org Washington
 Duke University
 Carnegie Mellon Univ, Civil & Environm Engn, Pittsburgh
 University of Nevada Reno
 University of Maine , Orono
 Florida Atlantic University
 Univ Calif Davis, Fiber & Polymer Sci, Davis
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION
Country Institutes
Iran  Tarbiat Modares University

 University of Tabriz
 Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Portugal  CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro

 Dept Chem, Universidade de Aveiro
South Korea  Konkuk University
China  Tongji Univ, Coll Environm Sci & Engn

 Sch Environm, State Key Lab Pollut Control & Resource Reuse, Nanjing
Univ
 East China JiaotongUniversity, Nanchang
 Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
France  Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Paris Sch Econ
Spain  Universitat de Girona, Dept Econ
Canada  Dept Food Sci, University of Guelph,
Japan  Dept Biotechnol, Tokyo University of Agriculture & Technology
Table 6.Collaboration Analysis of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Institutional collaboration  Dept Ecol Evol & Marine Biol

 Corn Insects and Crop Genet Res Unit
 Produce Safety & Microbiol Res Unit, Western Reg Res Ctr
 ARS, Microbial Food Safety Res Unit, Eastern Reg Res Ctr
 Natl Inst Food & Agr, ARS, Anim Biosci & Biotechnol Lab
 Forest Prod Lab, Madison
 ARS, Forage Anim Prod Res Unit, Lexington
 Nat Prod Utilizat Res Unit
 Northwest Irrigat & Soils Res Lab
USA Other institutes  NASA Jet Prop Lab
 Lowa State University
 Xradia, Pleasanton, USDA
 University of Texas El Paso
 Univ Calif Davis
 Amer Chem Soc, Journal Agr & Food Chem, Washington, DC
 Connecticut Agr Expt Stn, Dept Environm Sci, New Haven
 Florida Atlantic University
 Univ of Maryland College Park
 Renovate Biosci Inc, Riesterstown
 Washington State University
 Genus plc, De Forest
 University of Kentucky
 Univ of Mississippi
 Univ of Notre Dame
 University of Florida
 University of Wisconsin System
 Univ of Cincinnati
 National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health
 4922 Armin Way, San Diego
 Cornell Univ
 Louisiana State University System
Country Institutes
Scotland  University of Edinburgh
South Korea  Konkuk University
China  Coll Resources & Environm, Chongqing, Southwest Univ

 Huazhong Agricultural University
 East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang
Canada  Dept Food Sci, University of Guelph,
 Univ of Manitoba
 Jefo Nutr Inc, St Hyacinthe, PQ
Japan  Tokyo University of Agriculture & Technology
Table 7.Collaboration Analysis of University of Massachusetts Amherst
Institutional collaboration  Dept Food Sci, Chenoweth Lab

 Stockbridge Sch Agr
USA Other institutes  University of Tennessee Knoxville

 Connecticut Agr Expt Stn, Dept Analyt Chem, New Haven
 State University of New York (SUNY) College of Environmental
Science & Forestry
 Southern Illinois University
 Dow Chemical Company
 Natick Res Dev & Engn Ctr
 Univ of Nevada Reno
 Desert Research Institute, Nevada System of Higher Education
Country Institutes
Tunisia, Africa  Water Res & Technol Ctr, Universite de Carthage
Italy  Dept. life Sc., University of Parma
China  China Agricultural University

 Guangxi University
 Inst Coastal Environm Pollut Control, Ocean Univ of China,Qingdao
 Chinese Acad Sci, Inst Appl Ecol, Shenyang
 Wuhan Univ of Technology
India  ICAR - Indian Institute of Soil Sciences
Vietnam  Inst Aquaculture Res, Tu Son Bac Ninh

 Ctr Training Consultancy & Technol Transfer, Vietnam Ac of Sci & Tech
Analysis of China top three Institutes
The top three institutes of China are Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and
China Agricultural University. We found that the China had collaborated with various countries including Brazil, India,
USA, Vietnam, Germany, Thailand, Canada etc. for the research in the field of nanotechnology at international level.
But collaboration with USA and Vietnam tops the most among various other countries that has been mentioned above.
At the national level collaboration with various universities/institutes had been involved but Guangxi University,
Zhejiang University of Technology,Huazhong Agricultural University and Shanghai Universitywerecontributed largely
indicated by their number of publications in assosiation.
Table 8.Collaboration Analysis of Chinese Academy of Sciences
Institutional collaboration  Institute of Chemistry

 Institute of Physics
 Institute of Microbiology
 Institute of Biophysics
 National Centre for Nanoscience & tech
 Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics
 Institute Intelligent Machines
 Inst of High Energy Physics
 Shanghai Inst Mat Med
 State Key Lab Transducer Technol
 Inst Biophys, Key Lab Prot & Peptide Pharmaceut
 Changchun Inst Appl Chem, Grad Sch Chinese Acad Sci
 Inst Geochem
 NE Inst Geog & Agroecol
 Shanghai Inst Ceram
 Shanghai Inst Microsyst & Informat Technol
 Xinjiang Key Lab Environm Pollut & Bioremediat
 Hefei Inst Phys Sci
 Key Lab Environm Toxicol & Pollut Control Technol
 Institute of Applied Ecol
 Northwest Plateau Inst Biol
 Ningbo Inst Mat Technol & Engn
 Inst Remote Sensing & Digital Earth
 Inst Soil & Water Conservat
 Shanghai Inst Organ Chem
China other institutes  Jilin University

 University of Science & Technology of China
 Anhui University
 Univ of Chinese Academy of Sciences
 Shihezi University
 East China University of Science & Technology
 Southeast University
 Jiangxi Normal University
 Hualong Fertilizer Technol Co Ltd
 Hunan Univ of Science & Technology
 Tsinghua University
 Zhejiang University of Technology
 Chang'an University
 Shanghai University
 Huazhong Agricultural University
 Honghe Co, Tobacco Co Yunnan Prov
 State Key Lab Eco hydraul NW Arid Region China Xi
 Xi'an University of Technology
Country Institutes
USA  University of Wisconsin System

 United States Department of the Interior , United States Geological Survey
 Connecticut Agr Expt Stn, Dept Analyt Chem
 Stockbridge Sch Agr, University of Massachusetts Amherst
 Univ Nebraska Lincoln, Dept Civil Engn, Omaha
Canada  Laval University
Brazil  Universidade Estadual Paulista

 Universidade de Sorocaba
India  Inst Agr Sci, BHU
Germany  Max Planck Inst Polymer Res
Thailand  Chiang Mai Univ, Sci & Technol Res Inst

 Commiss Higher Educ, Thailand Ctr Excellence
 Chiang Mai Univ, Dept Phys & Mat Sci, Fac Sci, Plasma & Beam Phys Res
Facil
Table 9.Collaboration Analysis of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Institutional collaboration  China Natl Rice Res Inst

 Minist Agr, Inst Agroenvironm Protect
 Oil Crops Res Inst
 Inst Environm & Sustainable Dev Agr
 Nanobiotechnology Res Ctr
 Inst Resource & Reg Planning
China other institutes  Guangxi University

 Nankai University
 Tsinghua University
 Coll Resources & Environm Sci, China Agricultural Univ
 Chinese Academy of Sciences
 University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
 Zhejiang University
 Hangzhou Adm Agroecol & Plant Protect, Zhejiang
 Agr Bur Xiaoshan Dist Hangzhou, Zhejiang
 Minist Agr, Key Lab Detect Mycotoxins
 Minist Agr, Lab Risk Assessment Oilseeds Prod
 Minist Agr, Qual Inspect & Test Ctr Oilseeds Prod
Country Institutes
USA  Stockbridge Sch Agr, University of Massachusetts Amherst

 Cornell University
 Natl Inst Food & Agr, United States Department of Agriculture
Vietnam  Vietnam Academy of Science & Technology
Pakistan  Univ Agr Faisalabad, Dept Bot, Faisalabad
Table 10.Collaboration Analysis of China Agricultural University
Institutional collaboration  Coll Resources & Environm Sci

 Minist Educ China, Key Lab Modern Precis Agr Syst Integrat
Res
 Minist Agr China, Key Lab Agr Informat Acquisit Technol
 Beijing Adv Innovat Ctr Food Nutr & Human Hlth, Dept Appl
Chem
 Key Lab Modern Precis Agr Syst Integrat Res
 Key Lab Agr Informat Acquisit Technol
 Coll Sci, Dept Appl Chem
 Key National Natural Science Foundation of China
 State Key Lab Agrobiotechnol
 Dept Plant Pathol
 Coll Agron
China other institutes  Guangxi University

 Northwest Agr & Forestry University
 Beijing Adv Innovat Ctr Soft Matter Sci & Engn, Beijing
University of Chemical Technology
 Dept Macromol Sci, State Key Lab Mol Engn Polymers, Fudan
University
 Tarim University
 Sch Comp Sci & Control Engn, North University of China
Country Institutes
USA  Stockbridge Sch Agr, University of Massachusetts Amherst

 123 Huntington St, New Haven
Vietnam  Res Inst Aquaculture 1

 Inst Aquaculture Res, Tu Son Bac Ninh
 Vietnam Academy of Science & Technology
Analysis of India top three Institutes
The top three institutes which are doing major research in this field from India are Indian Institute of Technology
System, Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Council of Scientific & Industrial Research. We found that the
collaboration of various countries including USA, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Malaysia, Japan, Belgium,
Switzerland, Israel etc. with India at international level in the research field of nanotechnology. But collaboration with
USA, South Korea and Saudi Arabia tops the most among various other countries that has been mentioned above. At
the national level various universities/institutes had been involved but collaboration with various institutes of some
states like Delhi, UP, Varanasi, Kolkata, Chennai is major.
Table 11. Collaboration Analysis of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Systems
Institutional collaboration  IIT-Dhanbad

 IIT-Delhi
 IIT-Kanpur
 IIT-Bombay
 IIT-Kharagpur
 IIT-Mandi
 IIT-Madras
 IIT-Roorkee
India other institutes  KITPS, Dept Mech Engn, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh
 BERS, SODHA BERS COMPLEX,Plot 51, Karaundi Varanasi
221005
 Lovely Profess Univ, Dept Chem, Phagwara, Punjab
 Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS),
DRDO, Delhi
 Dept Chem, Univ of Delhi, Delhi
 Solid State Physics Laboratory, DRDO
 Banaras Hindu Univ, Indian Inst Technol, Sch Mat Sci &
Technol, Varanasi
 Indian Institute of Engineering Science Technology Shibpur
(IIEST), West Bengal
 Tech Phys Div, Bhabha Atomic Research Center
 Dept Phys, Gauhati University
 Dr Hari Singh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Dept Bot, Metagenom &
Secret Res Lab, MP
 Dept Chem Engn, Polymer Engn & Colloid Sci PECS Lab,
CSIR, Madras
 Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
 Jawaharlal Nehru Univ, Delhi
 B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology,
Chennai
 Dept Bioengn & Biosci, Kursi Rd,Integral University, Lucknow
 MPUAT Udaipur, Coll Technol & Engn, Coll Technol &
Engineering, Udaipur
Country Institutes
USA  Lowa State University

 North Carolina State Univ
South Korea  Dept Chem & Biomol Engn, Yonsei Univ
Saudi Arabia  KAUST, Dept Elect Engn, Sensors Lab, Thuwal
Table 12.Collaboration Analysis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Institutional collaboration  ICAR - National Bureau of Agriculturally Important

Microorganisms
 ICAR - Indian Institute of Soil Sciences
 ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute
 ICAR - National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management,
Maharastra
 ICAR - National Academy of Agricultural Research &
Management, Andhra Pradesh
 ICAR - Indian Institute of Wheat & Barley Research, Himachal
Pradesh
 ICAR - Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Maharashtra
 ICAR - Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Rajasthan
 ICAR - Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla
 ICAR - Indian Veterinary Research Institute, UP
 ICAR - Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology , Bihar
 ICAR - Central Avian Research Institute, UP
 ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Karnataka
 ICAR - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Banglore
India other institutes  Agr & Ecol Res Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata
 Dept Agr Chem, Delhi
 Plant Pathol, New Delhi
 Tripura Univ, Dept Mol Biol & Bioinformat, Agartala, Tripura
 Assam Don Bosco Univ, Dept Microbiol, Azara, Assam
 International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid-Tropics
(ICRISAT), Andhra Pradesh
 Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar,
Haryana
 Nagarjuna Agrichem Ltd, Hyderabad
 University of Calcutta
 Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata
 Bharathidasan University, Tamil Nadu
 Barkatullah University, MP
 Devi Ahilya University, MP
 Tamil Nadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University
 GBPUA&T Pantnagar, Dept Microbiol, Coll Basic Sci &
Humanities, Uttarakhand
 Uttarakhand State Council Sci & Technol UCOST, Dehradun
 Jain University, Bangalore
Country Institutes
USA  Michigan Technological University

 Stockbridge Sch Agr, University of Massachusetts Amherst
 United States Environmental Protection Agency
 Calif Air Resources Board, Sacramento
 Oregon State University
 CropLife Amer, Washington, DC
 Syngenta Crop Protect LLC
South Korea  Hanyang University
Saudi Arabia  KAUST, Dept Elect Engn, Sensors Lab, Thuwal
Switzerland  Syngenta Crop Protect, CH-4332 Stein
Canada  University of Manitoba
Australia  Queensland Department of Agriculture & Fisheries

 Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Belgium  CropLife Int, B-1050 Brussels
Netherlands  Wageningen University & Research
Kenya  Technical University of Kenya
Argentina  National University of Mar del Plata
Japan  Kyoto University
Israel  Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Table 13.Collaboration Analysis of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
Institutional collaboration  CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research , Lucknow

 CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore
 CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation, Chandigarh
 CSIR- Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad
 CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur
 CSIR- National Chemistry Laboratory , Pune
 CSIR- Central Salt & Marine Chemical Research Institute,
Gujarat
 CSIR- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi
 CSIR- Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute, Kolkata
 CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology, Assam
 CSIR- Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh
 CSIR- National Physics Laboratory, Delhi
India other institutes  Jadavpur University, Kolkata

 Anna University Chennai
 Coll Med, MIMER, Talegaon Dabhade, Pune
 Maharashtra Inst Pharm, MIT Campus, Pune
 Amity University, Noida
 Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata
 ICSIT, Kolkata
 W Bengal Univ Anim & Fisheries Sci, Dept Vet Pathol,
Kolkata
 Bidhan Chandra Agricultural University, Nadia
 Acad Sci & Innovat Res, Jorhat Campus, Jorhat, Assam
 Osmania University, Hyderabad
 Tea Res Assoc, Tocklai Tea Res Inst, Dept Biotechnol,
Jorhat
 Dept Chem Engn, Polymer Engn & Colloid Sci PECS Lab,
Madras
 IIT-Madras
 Panjab University, Chandigarh
 Banaras Hindu University, UP
Country Institutes
South Korea  Hanyang University
Saudi Arabia  King Saud University

Malaysia  Universiti Sains Malaysia
Russia  Lomonosov Moscow State University

 Russian Academy of Sciences
Germany  Humboldt University of Berlin
Australia  Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)
Patent Analysis
Technology analysis is important for technical advancements. Most of the studies in literature cover an overview of
nanotechnology application in specific sectors [47,48,49,50]. Real progress can only be marked when this
publication-based research is followed by extensive patent analysis involving database searches by the international
classification codes based searches guided by keyword based searches. Patent analysis makes us understand the gaps
between the technological developments and used as a tool to know the requirements for emerging expertise in the
given areas. Commercialization of technology which is the most important part for taking the technology to field
applications can be worked by knowing the top countries in the field further by listing the top players, with active
participation in this research, their patents. This can emphasize the readiness level of technology and can also enlist
the technologies which are applicable or replicable in our country. This can also help us in enlisting the indigenous
technologies which could be marketed to other countries. For analysing the technology evolution, patent can be
analysed by keyword based searches and class based searches. Some of the international classes that will be relevant
for the study are mentioned below.
Table 14 Classification of Patents
Symbol Classification and Description

A01G Horticulture; cultivation of vegetables, flowers, rice, fruit, vines, hops or seaweed;
forestry; watering
A01G1/00 Horticulture; Cultivation of vegetables
A01G31/00 Hydroponics; Cultivation without soil
B82 Nano-technology
B82B Nano-structures formed by manipulation of individual atoms, molecules, or
limited collections of atoms or molecules as discrete units; manufacture or
treatment thereof
B82Y Specific uses or applications of nano-structures; measurement or analysis of nano-
structures; manufacture or treatment of nano-structures
B82Y40/00 Manufacture or treatment of nano-structures
Zheng et.al. (2013) [51] analyzed a strong momentum of nanotechnology development in Asian countries,
particularly Japan, South Korea, China, India and Taiwan. These Asian countries positioned themselves among the
top 20 countries owning international collaboration nanotechnology patents in the world.
Similarly, we conducted a patent search for the above mentioned classes on Derwent Innovation [52]. The String
used was "IP=A01G* AND (IP=(B82*) OR (TI=nano*)) Timespan: All years. Indexes: CDerwent, EDerwent,
MDerwent"and 506 results were found which were than extracted and used for the analysis part.

Figure 6 Patent publications in different countries
Source: Data collected from Derwent Innovation Index
China leads by maximum patent applications covering 62% of total patent records, Japan and South Korea with 12%
and 10%, followed by United States, Russia and India.

Figure 7Top countries with patent publications
Source: Data collected from Derwent Innovation Index
China is most prolific country working in this area followed by Japan, South Korea, United States, Russia, India,
Taiwan, Germany, U.S.S.R and Israel.
Chinese Patent Analysis
S. No. Applications Technologies with examples

Greenhouse  Nano-titanium dioxide-Greenhouse film-improves light
1. efficiency(CN106976291-A)
 High strength composite plastic greenhouse film comprises nano cellulose
crystals and high density polyethylene-High strength composite plastic
greenhouse film(CN108299714-A)
 Solution containing multi-walled carbon nanotube-Promoting flowering and
promoting freshness of cut lily flowers(CN105875121-A)
 Composition containing 30-35nm nano compost-Method for applying cold-
resistant enhanced active nano-grade waste compost(CN104996284-A)
 Planting nano selenium powder into prepared soil-Nano selenium-enriched
grape(CN102257942-A)
 Nano self-assembled thermal insulation agricultural film-
Greenhouse(CN103283532-B)
 1020mg per L from micro-nano bubble ozone water-preventing and treating
greenhouse disease transmission(CN102640668-A)
 Comprises anatase-type nano-titanium dioxide-Polyolefin film
masterbatch(CN106633563-A)
 nano-titanium dioxide-Anti-aging anti-fog greenhouse film(CN106279786-A)
 Nanofiber water control head-Greenhouse plant cultivation
system(CN107943168-A)
 Micro-nano bubble technology-drop irrigation system(CN107691046-A)
 Polyethylene heat preservation material-Agricultural
greenhouse(CN107652511-A)
 Carbon nanotube-modified polyphosphazene-polyethersulfone block
copolymer-Straw modified greenhouse film(CN107501793-A)
 Nano-insulation -Agricultural film(CN107756993-A)
 Micro-ozone bubbles-greenhouse irrigation system(CN206744058-U)
 spraying nano selenium powder dry chicken manure organic fertilizer-nano
selenium enriched grape(CN107278787-A)
 American Ginseng comprises e.g. nano-carbon-artificial
planting(CN107148853-A)
 micro-nano-bubble irrigation of greenhouse -irrigation of greenhouse
(CN205848168-U)
 micro-nanometre bubble water fertilizer gas fusion-precision
agriculture(CN205671110-U)
 mixture comprising nano carbon-cultivating Dendrobium
fimbriatum(CN105875369-A)
 solar energy collected heat plate by nanometer carbon tube that is connected
with cavity-planting greenhouse(CN205337024-U)
 nanofiltration membrane water treatment device-irrigation (CN204291924-U)
 -agricultural planting greenhouse(CN203723169-U)
 Nano-filter film water processing device-nano-filter film(CN103858731-A)
 greenhouse film, comprising inorganic nanometer colloid-polyethylene
greenhouse film(CN101914336-A)
 culturing seedlings in green house using nanometer photocatalyst-selenium-
enriched organic barley seedling(CN101707965-A)
 High-intensity nanometer allotypic composite steel tube-agricultural
greenhouse(CN201319775-Y)
 Nanometer silica micro-powder or titanium and zinc micropowder-Spray
solution(CN101250280-A)
 Dust removal device for producing protein for nano food products-Dust
removal device (greenhouse)(CN101173764-A)
Enrichment  Filling mixed filler of nano-selenium and bio-organic fertilizer in planting
2. grooves-Planting method-Nano-selenium enriched Chinese yam
(CN103931386-A; CN103931386-B)
 Micronutrient elements-Spirulina, Ganoderma mycelium nano powder,
 coral nano powder and tourmaline nano powder and rice husk nano powder-
Selenium-germanium enriched soybean oil-for promoting cell for self-
restoring and blood circulation, strengthening immunity and diminishing
inflammation.(CN103333014-A; CN103333014-B)
 Soaking in water containing glycine-nano-selenium-Selenium-enriched
soybean sprout(CN102648692-A)
 Soaking in nano-selenium nutrient water solution including nano-selenium
fertilizer water solution-Cultivation of selenium-enriched
malt(CN108184362-A)
 Applying a selenium-enriched fertilizer (nano selenium) into the soil of paddy
field before irrigation-selenium-enriched rice(CN101791081-A;
CN101791081-B)
 Nanometer carrier comprises nanometer plant particle-Selenium-enriched
culture of edible fungus(CN102515884-A; CN102515884-B)
 nano selenium fertilizer-Fertilizer(CN103404402-A; CN103404402-B)
 Chlorpyrifos and carbon nanometer tube(CNT) interlayer -
Interlayer(CN104838996-A; CN104838996-B)
 After germination and achieveing certain height spraying nano-selenium,
magnesium sulfate, zinc sulfate and
 manganese sulfate, after grinding, adding into water and adding neutral
washing powder -nano selenium enriched grape(CN107535279-A)
 spraying nano-selenium liquid fertilizer-planting nano-selenium-enriched
Houttuynia(CN107711334-A)
 mixing granules with nano-carbon selenium enriched fertilizer-selenium-
enriched litchi(CN107711239-A)
 agent comprises aminated attapulgite and micro/nano-organosilicon/carbon-
Wheat powdery mildew inhibitor(CN107371913-A)
 spraying nano selenium powder dry chicken manure organic fertilizer-nano
 Mixing the branches with nano-selenium-selenium-enriched litchi fruit
(CN106386328-A)
 Compost and carbon nanomaterials-inactivating heavy metals in the lawn
compost(CN106105854-A)
 Soil substrate with nano-silicon dioxide-improving survival rate of
transplanted grape seedlings(CN106035016-A)
 Mixture with nano-selenium dioxide-preparing organic selenium-rich SOD
 Mixture with nano selenium dioxide-organic selenium-enriched
strawberry(CN105875134-A)
 Fertilizer with nano-selenium oxide-organic selenium-enriched superoxide
dismutase pumpkin(CN105875132-A)
 Nano selenium added -cultivating selenium-enriched rice(CN105123369-A)
 Utilizing siduron and a carbon nano tube interlayer-controlling accumulation
of heavy metal in turfgrass(CN104904574-A; CN104904574-B)
 Soilless culture-micro-nano bubble generating device(CN203482710-U)
 Mixing nano-selenium plant nutritional agents with soil-preparing selenium-
enriched green tea(CN103404329-A)
 Medium comprising nano selenium plant nutrient-organic selenium enriched
eggplant(CN102150532-A)
 Culturing and collection of selenium-enriched tobacco-the nanometer
selenium-germanium enriched anionic safe cancer prevention
cigarette(CN101953511-A)
 Nutrient composition comprising nano-selenium-enriching soil for growing
pear trees(CN101781133-A; CN101781133-B)
 Mixing a nano-selenium plant nutrient agent with soil-Huang Shan Mao Feng
tea with organic selenium(CN101779542-A)
 culturing seedlings in green house using nanometer photocatalyst-selenium-
 Spraying high active nanometer selenium nutrient foliar fertilizer-selenium-
enriched rock candy orange(CN101658118-A)
Sprouting/  A functional material comprising nano aqueous binder-soil and water
3. Germination conservation(CN104782374-A)
 Activating G. Lucidum spore germination-Active material for
healthcare(CN102727535-A)
 Active nanometer garbage compost-adopting cold-tolerant active nanometer
garbage compost(CN104838843-A; CN104838843-B)
 Adding nanoselenium powder agent-cultivating healthcare
grapes(CN104938290-A)
 After germination and achieveing certain height spraying nano-selenium,
magnesium sulfate, zinc sulfate andmanganese sulfate, after grinding, adding
into water and adding neutral washing powder -nano selenium enriched
 Bioactive nano-zinc selenium nutrient solution-Producing rich-organic
bioactive nano zinc and selenium edible fungus(CN107517736-A)
 Carbon nanopowder is added to wheat floor patse-cultivating Platycodon
grandiflorus(CN106211975-A)
 Composite fertilizer nano-carbon powder-cultivating rice(CN105993750-A)
 Culturing seedlings in green house using nanometer photocatalyst-selenium-
 Dust removal device for producing protein for nano food products-Dust
removal device (greenhouse)(CN101173764-A)
 Fertilizer with nano-selenium oxide-organic selenium-enriched superoxide
dismutase pumpkin(CN105875132-A)
 Field planting a set of plants-Reproducible high-quality culturing technique
for purple oily Magnolia officinalis(CN102067781-A; CN102067781-B)
 Liquid -preparing nanometer vegetable sprout (CN101637117-A)
 Method involves preparing 60 grams of tianluoleledou and 60 grams of amino
acid oligosaccharide water agent with a concentration of 0.5 percentage-Nano
production method for producing a bean sprout abundant in superoxide
dismutase (SOD)(CN101637116-A)
 Micro-nano biosilicon/carbon-wheat sprout germination
inhibitor(CN107409699-A)
 Mixing granules with nano-carbon selenium enriched fertilizer-selenium-
enriched litchi(CN107711239-A)
 Mixing nano-selenium plant nutritional agents with soil-preparing selenium-
enriched green tea(CN103404329-A)
 Mixing soil withnanocompost-For enhancing salt resistance of turfgrass
increasing photosynthetic rate and root growth of turfgrass, and promoting
increase of chlorophyll tissues(CN104838841-A; CN104838841-B)
 Mixing the branches with nano-selenium-selenium-enriched litchi fruit
(CN106386328-A)
 Nano component mounted on a culture box-plant sprout cultivation
device(CN205179997-U; WO2017075870-A1)
 Nano selenium added -cultivating selenium-enriched rice(CN105123369-A)
 Nanometer selenium plants with soil-producing biluochun(CN101779556-A;
CN101779556-B)
 Nano-selenium nutrient solution-producing selenium-rich
soybean(CN108243925-A)
 Nano-selenium organic five-element vegetable-preparing
 Nano-sulfur powder-preventing and treating insect pests of peach
trees(CN104542137-A)
 Pre-processing of seeds, preparing multi-wall carboxylating carbon nano
tubes-Improving germination rates of medicinal isatis seeds(CN103155846-
A)
 Putting a nanometer oxygen-increasing biological device in nutritious
 Soaking in nano-selenium nutrient water solution including nano-selenium
fertilizer water solution-Cultivation of selenium-enriched
malt(CN108184362-A)
 Soaking in water containing glycine-nano-selenium-Selenium-enriched
soybean sprout(CN102648692-A)
 Spraying edible fungi dedicated organic
 Spraying nano selenium powder dry chicken manure organic fertilizer-nano
 Spraying seeds usingnanoselenium water-method for nanoselenium sprouting
vegetables(CN102687659-A)
 Spraying the nano-sulfur powder-planting and pest control(CN107494164-A)
 Vegetable soup (CN101731083-A)
Micro-nano  Agricultural micro-nano bubble supply system controlled by PLC-micro-nano
4. bubble bubble generating device(CN206713653-U)
generation for  Bubble generating device-Integrated type gas heat precision quantity based
irrigation water fertilizer irrigation control machine(CN106879438-A)
control  Filter soil testing and formulated fertilization system and micro-Nanobubble
 Generating device-Underground drop irrigation micro-Nano air
device(CN103125346-A)
 Indoor micro-nano-bubble device-cultivating layer(CN106489707-A)
 Micro and nano-bubbles-irrigation of crops(CN206821512-U)
 Micro-nano bubble generating device-agricultural irrigation
field(CN204393017-U)
 Micronano bubble generating device-soilless culture nutrient solution
oxygenation and sterilizing device(CN103535247-A; CN103535247-B)
 Micro-nano bubble generator-Gas mulching crop root part field drip irrigation
system(CN107484564-A; CN207505518-U)
 Micro-nano bubble generator-timely-regulating and water-saving shallow
buried drip irrigation system(CN108029415-A)
 Micro-nano bubble oxygenated drip irrigation system -Drip irrigation system
(CN103858730-A; CN103858730-B)
 Micro-nano bubble water medium-culturing edible fungus liquid
strain(CN105638232-A)
 Micro-nano bubble water-agricultural engineering cultivation
device(CN206354136-U)
 Micro-nano-bubble generating device-Underground water drop irrigation
micro-nanometer device(CN202697414-U)
 Micro-nano-bubble generation-Micro-nano air irrigation
system(CN202435898-U)
 Micro-nanometer bubble water-sewage treatment field(CN105417674-A)
 Ozone micro-nano bubble-Soil sterilizing(CN102668932-A)
 Ozone micro-nano-bubble generating device-Generating micro-nano
bubble(CN102668952-A)
 Photo-catalysis oxygen-increasing sterilizing fertilizer-micro-nano-bubble
generating device(CN207079177-U)
 Photo-catalytic aerobic sterilization of fertilizer-micro-nano-bubble generating
device(CN107445659-A)
 Soilless culture-micro-nano bubble generating device(CN203482710-U)
 Water- micro-nano bubble generator-Movable water drop irrigation fertilizer
machine(CN107683759-A)
 Watering device with micro-nano-bubble generating device-Ecological
watering device(CN107691187-A)
Pesticides/  Pesticide residue degradation by comprising nano titanium dioxide-Pesticide

5. Insecticides residue degradation(CN103081735-A; CN103081735-B)
 Nano-cellulose containing agricultural film-Degradable slow-releasing multi-
functional agricultural film(CN107298834-A)
 Nano-titanium dioxide aqueous solution-Sterilizing garden landscape-
eliminates the use of pesticide(CN107926400-A)
 Nano-pesticide-nano zinc oxide to negatively charged nano titanium dioxide
hydrosol-Nano-pesticide(CN107960250-A)
 Charged nano-pesticides-Insecticidal method(CN107896752-A)
 Barrier film containing nano silica-reduces the use of
pesticides(CN105820668-A)
 Organic nanometer germanium compound fertilizer-cultivation of an organic
tea tree(CN101485256-A)
 Charged nano material comprises spraying the charged nano-insecticide to
crops-Insecticidal(CN108208002-A)
Miscellaneous  Adhered piece type douche-(Nano-crystal type comb structure)-Adhered piece

6. type douche(CN105123431-A)
 Liquid mulching film comprises micro-nano-silica powder-Liquid mulching
film(CN108076932-A)
 Climbing net-Nano bismuth powder-Climbing net-plants(CN105724110-A;
CN105724110-B)
 Comprising ultrafine nano silica sol-Water-retaining mulching film for
desert(CN104804140-A)
 Adding inorganic nanoparticles (silicon-based) to Phanerochaete
chrysosporium liquid culture medium-Improving degradation-spherical
mycelial groups-for dye degradation(CN103168619-B)
 Adding modified nano-indocyanine green particles as a photothermal
conversion agent-Efficient photothermal conversion agricultural plastic
film(CN107805358-A)
 Oxygenated water-saving irrigation by placing same length of carbon nano-
tubes in oxygen storage tanks-Lingwu jujube oxygenated water-saving
irrigation (CN107493777-A)
 Method for preparing functional agricultural plastic film-Promoting plant
growth by mixing negative ion mineral powder and nano-lanthanum
oxide(CN105968545-A)
 Biodegradable plastic mulching film comprises nano-calcium carbonate
particles-Biodegradable plastic mulching film(CN108276714-A)
 Desert sand and soil planting structure comprises hydrophobic inorganic
nanopowder layer-Desert sand and soil planting structure(CN108293482-A)
 Spraying nutritional solution containing zinc selenium spore Bacillus twice-
preparing organic bio-nano-zinc selenium tea(CN108076940-A)
 Preparation of selenium-doped nanosilica sol-for inhibiting absorption and
accumulation of heavy metals including arsenic and cadmium in selenium-
rich rice(CN103789114-A)
 Applying indium tin oxide nanoparticle sol as foliar fertilizer-Foliar
fertilizer(CN108142059-A)
 Cryoprotectant containing nanofilling agent-Cryoprotectant for garden
plants(CN105613150-A; CN105613150-B)
Indian Patents
S. No. Patent No Technology Application

IN200602038-I4 Seed encapsulation nutrient, Precision customized control release
7. comprises crop specific customized fertilizer
fertilizer, amorphous silica and
functional transition metal silicates
with or without nanostuctured
IN201824004827-A superabsorbent polymer incorporating Soil conditioning

8. carbon nanotubes and micro-nutrients
IN201741034005-A Stable harpin (isolated from Biopesticide

9. Pseudomonas syringae syringae
(Pss))-loaded chitosan nanoparticles
IN201504370-I3 Pesticide is entrapped within pores of Crop protection

10. the silica
nanoparticles
IN200901135-I4 Nano silica concentration Growing maize crop in a food and bio-
11. fuel production
IN201103586-I4 Nano zinc oxide particles Improving productivity and to correct

12. zinc deficiency for the crops such as
rice, maize, sorghum, bajra, citrus,
banana, mango, groundnut, wheat, ragi,
sesamum, greengram, blackgram,
sugarcane, chillies, bean,
grape, guar, onion, pineapple, potato,
tomato, cotton, rose, and all leafy
vegetables
IN201300234-I3 Biopolymer composite made of nano Piping material

13. material/clay
Few Patented technologies Descritpion

Precision customized control release fertilizer made by Bijam Biosciences Private Ltd,
Figure 8 Flow diagram of manufacturing material for nutrient encapsulation (IN200602038-I4)
Biopesticide with Stable harpin (isolated from Pseudomonas syringae syringae (Pss))-loaded chitosan nanoparticles
formulated by University Hyderabad and Nano zinc oxide particles for Improving productivity and to correct zinc
deficiency for the crops such as rice, maize, sorghum, bajra, citrus, all leafy vegetables etc. developed by Indian
Institute of Technology.
Figure 9 Pesticide is entrapped within pores of the silica nanoparticles for crop protection developed in patent
(IN201504370-I3).
Conclusion
Agriculture is the only provider of human’s food that should produce from well known as well as eco-friendly
technologies. To maximize the production in agriculture excessive use of modern technologies including
nanotechnology is adapted. The implication of the nanotechnology research in the agricultural sector is become a
key factor for the sustainable developments. This technology was manifested to be as good in resources management
of agricultural field, drug delivery mechanisms in plants and helps to maintain the soil fertility.
But, abiotic–biotic-living beings live in accord with a co-ordinated stability of food chains and to maintain
this food chain excessive use of these technologies should be avoided. The agriculture host plants take the main part
in food chain. Naturally, several nanoparticles can deposit in the plant host. Moreover, the uses of polymeric
nanoparticles in the agricultural field, especially loaded with insecticides of plant origin are unique and increasingly
permeated. Therefore, it is essential to know the ecotoxicological aspects of the considered nanoparticles used in
agriculture.
If nanomaterials containing agricultural plants are devoid of any toxic nanocomposite, then there is unique
possibility of more production of agricultural crops. Thus, the introduction of engineered (either chemical or green)
nanoparticles in the agricultural field should always be a routine check-up to sustain an eco-friendly in the
agricultural field. In addition, it is being also evaluated gradually in the use of biomass and agricultural waste, in
food processing and food packaging system as well as risk assessment. Nanomaterials not only directly activate
degradation of waste and toxic materials but it also helps in improve the efficiency of microorganisms in
degradation of waste and toxic materials.
Despite a lot of information about individual nanomaterials is available, but toxicity level of many
nanoparticles is still obscure. Therefore, application of nanotechnology requires a reliable risk-benefit assessment
for the evaluation of their impact on environment as well as on human health. It is also very important to engage
various stakeholders, non-governmental organizations and consumers in an open dialogue to acquire acceptance and
support of this technology.
Identification of Gaps and Obstacles

Despite considerable applications of nanotechnology in agriculture, some of the issues that require attention are:
1. Comparison of effects of nanoformulations/nanosysytems with existing technologies in order to demonstrate real

practical advantages.
2. Acquisition of knowledge and developments of methods for risk and life-cycle assessment of nanopesticides and
other nanomaterials as well as assessment of impact on non-target organisms like other plants and soil microbiota
3. Design of processes that are easily scalable up at industry level
4. Advances in the regulations about the correct use of nanomaterials
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Capturing Thematic Intervention of Nanotechnology in Agriculture Sector: A

Keywords:Nanotechnology, Agriculture, Publication and Patent analysis, Research collaboration, policy

[Insert Figure 1 here]

Figure 1: Some vital applications of nanotechnology in agriculture

Smart Monitoring Technologies

[Insert Figure 2 here]

Figure 2. Applications of E- Nose Sensor Technologies in various sectors

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs)

S.No. Year No. of Publications % Share (of 1252)

10. 2009 41 3.23

11. 2010 37 2.95

12. 2011 46 3.67

13. 2012 67 5.35

14. 2013 83 6.62

15. 2014 93 7.42

16. 2015 149 11.90

17. 2016 187 14.93

18. 2017 234 18.69

19. 2018 242 19.32

[Insert Figure 3 here]

Figure 3. Year wise publication record

S.No. Country No. of Publications % Share (of 1252)

1. USA 247 19.72

2. Peoples R China 231 18.45

3. India 201 16.05

9. South Korea 39 3.11

10. France 35 2.79

11. England 34 2.71

12. Canada 32 2.55

13. Australia 31 2.47

14. Japan 31 2.47

15. Poland 29 2.31

16. Malaysia 27 2.15

17. Saudi Arabia 26 2.07

18. Egypt 24 1.91

19. Netherlands 23 1.83

20. Switzerland 22 1.75

[Insert Figure 4 here]

Figure 4. Top publishing countries record

Table 3: Top Institutes working in this field are:

S.No. Institutes Country to which No. of % Share (of 1252)

1. Chinese Academy of Sciences China 35 2.79

2. Universidade Estadual Paulista Brazil 32 2.55

3. Universidade Estadual De Brazil 27

4. Centre National De La Recherche France 23

6. Indian Council of Agricultural India 22

7. University of California System USA 22 1.75

8. Islamic Azad University Iran 19 1.51

9. United States Department of USA 19

10. Council of Scientific &Industrial India 19

11. Universidade De Sao Paulo Brazil 15 1.19

12. Universite Cote D Azur Comue France 15 1.19

13. Chinese Academy of Agricultural China 14

14. University of Massachusetts USA 14

15. University of Massachusetts System USA 14 1.11

16. State University System of Florida USA 13 1.03

17. University of California Santa USA 13

18. Banaras Hindu University India 12 0.95

19. China Agricultural University China 11 0.87

20. Connecticut Agr Expt Stn USA 11 0.87

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Figure 5. Top publishing institutes record

1. UNIVERSITY OF CHINESE INDIAN UNIVERSIDADE ISLAMIC