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Nanotechnology shows high promise in the improvement of agricultural productivity thus aiding future food security. In horticulture, maintaining quality as well as limiting the spoilage of harvested fruit and vegetables is a very challenging task. Various kinds of nanomaterials have shown high potential for increasing productivity, enhancing shelf-life, reducing post-harvest damage and improving the quality of horticultural crops. Antimicrobial nanomaterials as nanofilm on harvested products and/or on packaging materials are suitable for the storage and transportation of vegetables and fruits. Nanomaterials also increase the vitality of the cut flower. Nanofertilizers are target-specific, slow releasing and highly efficient in increasing vegetative growth, pollination and fertility in flowers, resulting in increased yield and improved product quality for fruit trees and vegetables. Formulated nanopesticides are target-specific, eco-friendly and highly efficient. Nanosensors facilitate up-to-date monitoring of growth, plant disease, and pest attack in crop plants under field conditions. These novel sensors are used to precisely identify the soil moisture, humidity, population of crop pests, pesticide residues and figure out nutrient requirements. This review aimed to provide an update on the recent advancement of nanomaterials and their potential uses for enhancing productivity, quality of products, protection from pests and reduction of the postharvest losses of the horticultural crops. This study reveals that nanotechnology could be used to generate cutting-edge techniques towards promoting productivity and quality of horticultural crops to ensure food and nutritional security of ever-increasing population of the world.

Biodegradable and affordable jute fibers absorb too much moisture, limiting their use. This research improves these fibers' moisture and water resistance to boost their utilization in many fields of application. The combined impact of chemical treatments and gamma irradiation improves moisture and water resistance properties. This study has determined the hydrophilicity of jute fibers by moisture content, moisture regain, water absorption, and water contact angle. Lower moisture levels make jute fibers stronger and less fragile. Jute fibers with reduced moisture content last longer and degrade less. The results indicate that the combined impact of irradiation and treatment on jute fibers resulted in a substantial increase in crystallinity, with a 31.27% increase. Additionally, the water contact angle significantly improved by 97%, and moisture contain, regain, and absorption reductions occurred by 60%, 63%, and 45%, respectively. These results suggest that the combined treatment significantly enhances the resistance to degradation of jute fibers, rendering them appropriate for use in humid environments. Jute fibers resist water better, improving dimensional stability and decreasing swelling and shrinkage. Reduced water absorption minimizes the risk of rot, mildew, and other biological degradation, extending the lifespan of jute fibers and products. Jute fibers resist water better, improving dimensional stability and decreasing swelling and shrinkage. Reduced water absorption minimizes the risk of rot, mildew, and other biological degradation, extending the lifespan of jute fibers and products. The treated fibers' moisture content and water absorption decreased significantly, improving dimensional stability, swelling, and biological deterioration. Water resistance increases fiber strength and durability, making them more suitable with composite materials and matrix bonding. Thus, treated jute fibers have improved mechanical characteristics and are better for high-performance applications, including textiles, construction, automotive, and environmental remediation. This modification method makes jute fibers useful in moisture-sensitive areas and sustainable and durable composite products.