Zinc (Zn) is a vital micronutrient required for optimal plant growth and soil fertility. Its use in the form of nanoparticles (NPs) has gained significant attention in agricultural applications. Green synthesized Zn-based NPs offer an eco-friendly solution to several conventional problems in agriculture. Several plants, bacteria, fungi and yeast have shown significant potential in fabricating Zn NPs that can provide environmentally friendly solutions in agriculture and the approach is aligned with sustainable agricultural practices, reducing the dependency on harmful agrochemicals. Zn-based NPs act as plant growth promoters, enhance crop yield, promote resilience to abiotic stressors and are efficient crop protection agents. Their role as a smart delivery system, enabling targeted and controlled release of agrochemicals, further signifies their potential use in agriculture. Because agriculture requires repeated applications hence, the toxicological aspects of Zn NPs cannot be ignored. Zn NPs are reported to cause phytotoxicity, including root damage, physiological and biochemical disturbances, and genotoxic effects. Furthermore, exposure to Zn NPs poses risks to soil microbiota, and aquatic and terrestrial organisms potentially impacting the ecosystem. The green synthesis of Zn-based NPs has a promising aspect for advancing sustainable agriculture by reducing agrochemical use and improving crop productivity. Their diverse applications as plant growth promoters, crop protectants and smart delivery systems emphasize their potential. However, the toxicological aspects are essential to ensure the standardization of doses for their safe and effective use. Further research would help address such concerns and help in developing viable and eco-friendly solutions for modern agriculture. (c) 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Salinity poses a substantial risk to agricultural productivity. This work explored the use of biogenic selenium nanoparticles (BSeNPs) synthesized by Streptomyces ferrugineus, characterized by their spherical morphology (41 nm diameter), and-25.3 mV surface charge, to mitigate salinity stress in date palm trees. Over two growing seasons (2022 and 2023), BSeNPs (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/L) were applied as foliar sprays and soil drenches to assess their impact on growth, yield, and oxidative stability. Salinity stress reduced growth, chlorophyll content, relative water content (RWC), and ascorbic acid, while increasing catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide levels. The soil application of BSeNPs at 40 mg/L significantly increased chlorophyll content by 28.8-29.5%, RWC by 33.3%, and ascorbic acid by 90.5%. It also reduced proline by 48.8-51.7%, malondialdehyde (MDA) by 31.0-33.3%, and the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) by 32.1-40.0%, and 16.7-25.0%, respectively, compared to untreated controls. Biogenic SeNPs enhanced the antioxidant defense system, reduced reactive oxygen species-induced oxidative damage, and minimized lipid peroxidation. This study is the first to demonstrate the potential of BSeNPs derived from actinobacteria to mitigate salinity-induced oxidative stress in date palm trees while simultaneously enhancing fruit yield and quality. By offering a sustainable and eco-friendly solution, BSeNPs pave the way for protecting high-value crops like date palms against the adverse effects of salinity. This innovative approach not only safeguards agricultural productivity under challenging environmental conditions but also promotes sustainable farming practices, highlighting the transformative role of BSeNPs in modern agriculture.