Oxygenated Nanobubbles as a Sustainable Strategy to Strengthen Plant Health in Controlled Environment Agriculture

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) offers a protected system for agricultural production; however, it remains vulnerable to diseases, particularly root diseases such as Pythium root rot and Fusarium wilt. Sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices using plant-beneficial microbes can help mitigate these harmful diseases. These microbes produce natural antibiotics and promote induced systemic resistance (ISR), which enhances nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and disease resistance. While plant-beneficial microbes have been applied in conventional cropping systems, they have yet to be fully integrated into CEA-based systems. Oxygen availability in the root zone is critical for the functionalities of beneficial microorganisms. Insufficient levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) can hinder microbial activity, lead to the accumulation of harmful compounds, and cause stress to the plants. Contemporary aeration technologies, such as novel oxygenated nanobubble (ONB) technology, provide better oxygen distribution and promote optimal microbial proliferation, enhancing plant resilience. Hydroponic and soilless substrate-based systems of CEA production have significant potential to integrate beneficial microbes, increase crop yields, prevent diseases, and improve resource use efficiency. This review aims to summarize the significance of DO and the potential impact of novel ONB technology in CEA for managing root zone diseases while increasing crop productivity and sustainability.