Lipidic and Polymeric Nanoparticles for Viral Control in Plant Protection

Plant viral diseases are a serious threat to global food security, causing yield losses and showing the limits of resistant cultivars, chemical antivirals, and vector control. This chapter examines nanotechnology as a sustainable solution, focusing on lipidic and polymeric nanoparticles for targeted virus control. Lipid-based carriers such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers protect and deliver nucleic acids for RNA interference approaches. Polymeric systems, including natural polymers like chitosan, alginate, and starch and synthetic types like PLGA and dendrimers, provide stability, biodegradability, and immune priming through systemic acquired resistance. Comparative strengths, delivery routes including foliar sprays, root absorption, seed coatings, and post-harvest treatments, plus safety and regulatory issues, are assessed. Advances such as stimuli-responsive carriers, CRISPR/Cas delivery, and smart agriculture integration position these nanocarriers as promising tools for climate-smart, sustainable crop protection.