Advancement in agriculture through radioisotopes: Current context, challenges and future directions
Radioisotopes have revolutionized agriculture, leading to new nutrients management methods, crop improvement models, and the recent pests control methods, such as the Sterile Insect Technique. These technologies contribute to global food security by increasing efficiency and effectiveness in using f...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Journal of Agriculture and Food Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666154325003370 |
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| Summary: | Radioisotopes have revolutionized agriculture, leading to new nutrients management methods, crop improvement models, and the recent pests control methods, such as the Sterile Insect Technique. These technologies contribute to global food security by increasing efficiency and effectiveness in using fertilizers through the rapid production of mutants and by addressing challenges such as pests infestations and soil degradation. The application of radioisotopes, however, carries its risks of environmental contamination, radiation exposure, and transportation problems with radioactive materials. Recent developments in alternative technologies, including stable isotopes and genetic engineering, promise to overcome many issues. For instance, stable isotopes like 15N and 13C are adequate substitutes for radioisotopes in nutrient tracing and provide precise insights into the interactions between plants and soils without presenting environmental hazards. Along these lines, genetic modification offers a less hazardous, non-radioactive means of producing hardy crop varieties. This paper discusses radioisotopes' historical and current application in agriculture, their limitations, and possible alternatives, focusing on the need for environmentally friendly agricultural methodologies. Adopting safer alternatives and advancing further research into these technologies is essential for sustaining agricultural production with reduced environmental hazards. |
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| ISSN: | 2666-1543 |