The apparent benefits of substituting active ingredients or carriers with nanosized equivalents has
also opened the door to research into the potential applications of nanotechnology to pesticides,
veterinary medicines and other agrochemicals such as fertilizers and plant-growth regulators.
The anticipated benefits, which are driving current R&D in these areas, include a potential
reduction in the use of certain agrochemicals (such as pesticides) and an increased ability to
control the application and dosage of active ingredients in the field. Despite a great deal of
industrial interest in this area, research is still in an embryonic stage. Although most
developments are currently at a developmental stage, it is likely that the agriculture sector will
see some large-scale applications of nanotechnologies in the next decade that will alert the
consumer to the agrochemicals currently being used in the agriculture production