Biogenic synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of synthesized nanoparticles against the pathogenic fungus Alternaria solani

Abstract

In the present study, Trichoderma harzianum culture filtrate (CF) was used as a reducing and capping agent to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in a quick, simple, cost-effective, and eco-friendly manner. The effects of different ratios (silver nitrate (AgNO3): CF), pH, and incubation time on the synthesis of Ag NPs were also examined. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectra of the synthesized Ag NPs showed a distinct surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 420 nm. Spherical and monodisperse NPs were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Elemental silver (Ag) was identified in the Ag area peak indicated by energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The crystallinity of Ag NPs was confirmed by x-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) was used to examine the functional groups present in the CF. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) revealed an average size (43.68 nm), which was reported to be stable for 4 months. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to confirm surface morphology. We also investigated the in vitro antifungal efficacy of biosynthesized Ag NPs against Alternaria solani, which demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on mycelial growth and spore germination. Additionally, microscopic investigation revealed that Ag NP-treated mycelia exhibited defects and collapsed. Apart from this investigation, Ag NPs were also tested in an epiphytic environment against A. solani. Ag NPs were found to be capable of managing early blight disease based on field trial findings. The maximum percentage of early blight disease inhibition by NPs was observed at 40 parts per million (ppm) (60.27%), followed by 20 ppm (58.68%), whereas in the case of the fungicide mancozeb (1,000 ppm), the inhibition was recorded at 61.54%.

Use of Trichoderma culture filtrates as a sustainable approach to mitigate early blight disease of tomato and their influence on plant biomarkers and antioxidants production

“…Biological control approaches, particularly using fungal and bacterial microorganisms as biocontrol agents, are being considered as an emerging tool to combat fungicide resistance challenges. A variety of Bacillus and Trichoderma species with strong biocontrol potential, along with salt compounds and nanoparticles, have extensively been used to control plant diseases, including early blight on tomatoes ( Mazrou et al., 2020 ; Stracquadanio et al., 2020 ; Castro-Restrepo et al., 2022 ; Imran et al., 2022b ; Narware et al., 2023 ). Presently, the use of culture filtrates (CFs) in agriculture systems is considered an emerging method to control plant diseases and is getting a lot of attention due to its effective potential to inhibit plant pathogens.…”

Analysis of growth dynamics in five different media and metabolic phenotypic characteristics of Piriformospora indica

“…The metabolic phenotypes include the ability to utilize carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur sources, as well as growth tests under different osmotic pressure and pH conditions (Mazur et al, 2013 ; Narware et al, 2023 ). The Phenotype Microarray (PM) technology, developed by Biolog Company in the United States, can be used to determine various metabolic phenotypes of microorganisms.…”

Isolation of endophytic fungi from Cotoneaster multiflorus and screening of drought-tolerant fungi and evaluation of their growth-promoting effects

“…In addition to promote the growth and development of host plants through a variety of mechanisms (Nazia et al, 2021(Nazia et al, , 2022, endophytic fungi can also produce secondary metabolites with the same or similar physiological activities as host plants (Mayerhofer et al, 2013). It has good research and development potential in many research fields such as agriculture and forestry (Narware et al, 2023). Endophytic fungi with bacteriostatic, growth-promoting, and anti-stress activity have been isolated from Glycine max (L.) Merr.…”