Work

Zinc-chitosan nanocomposites as guardians against the dreaded phytopathogenic fungus Macrophomina phaseolina in Vigna radiata L.

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Macrophomina phaseolina, a phytopathogenic fungus responsible for root rot in mung beans ( Vigna radiata L.), produces resilient sclerotia that are not effectively managed by chemical fungicides. In this study, as an alternative management approach, zinc-chitosan nanoparticles (Zn-ChNPs) were prepared using the ionic gelation method and evaluated for their antifungal activity against M. phaseolina. The synthesis of Zn-ChNPs was confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy with absorption peaks at 215 nm and 265 nm. XRD indicated hexagonal crystalline planes, verifying nanoparticle crystallinity, while FTIR showed strong ZnO-chitosan interactions with peaks at 3495 cm⁻¹ and 678 cm⁻¹. The particles averaged 80–100 nm in size . Antifungal bioassays demonstrated significant inhibition of fungal growth, achieving 50–100 % reduction at concentrations of 0.11 % and above, and an EC 50 (effective concentration) value of 0.08 %. Microscopic analysis revealed sclerotia distortion at 0.15 % Zn-ChNPs, while enzymatic assays showed a 20–60 % increase in catalase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activities at concentrations of 0.03–0.11 %, followed by a sharp decrease beyond 0.11 %. In planta bioassays indicated that 0.4–0.6 % Zn-ChNPs reduced disease by 97 % and improved growth up to 100 %, surpassing the performance of chemical fungicides (Carbendazim). Multivariate analysis further underscored the superior efficacy of Zn-ChNPs in enhancing plant defense mechanisms and managing root rot disease. These findings highlighted the potential of Zn-ChNPs as a sustainable and effective alternative to chemical fungicides, offering dual benefits of disease control and growth enhancement in mung bean plants.

Source: Plant Stress

DOI: 10.1016/j.stress.2024.100710

Authors: Uswa Fatima, Amna Shoaib, Qudsia Fatima, Abdulaziz Abdullah Alsahli, Parvaiz Ahmad

Institutions: University of the Punjab, King Saud University

Language: English

Topic: Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,690