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Inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum growth in banana by silver nanoparticles: In vitro and in vivo assays

Summary

Researchers tested silver nanoparticles as a potential cure for Fusarium wilt, a serious fungal disease that damages banana crops worldwide. Using laboratory tests and greenhouse experiments with banana plants, they found that silver nanoparticles effectively killed the fungus and reduced disease symptoms by about 68% when applied to plant roots. The study shows that this nanotechnology approach could offer a new way to protect banana plantations from this devastating disease.

Background

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense is a devastating disease affecting banana crops worldwide, particularly threatening Ecuador’s major agricultural commodity. Traditional chemical control methods are unavailable and the monoculture of bananas with genetic uniformity makes the crop vulnerable to this soil-borne pathogen.

Objective

To validate the antifungal potential of three silver nanoparticle formulations against Fusarium oxysporum race 1 through both in vitro and in vivo assays, and to assess their effectiveness in controlling Fusarium wilt in banana plants.

Results

Silver nanoparticles achieved over 95% inhibition at 25 mg/L concentration in vitro, with IC50 values ranging from 1.35-23.26 mg/L depending on strain and formulation. In vivo assays showed 68% average reduction in disease development when applied to roots, with Argovit-1220 demonstrating the highest antifungal potential.

Conclusion

Silver nanoparticles demonstrate high antifungal potential for controlling Fusarium wilt in bananas, with promising results in both controlled laboratory and greenhouse conditions. This is the first study to test AgNPs against Fusarium oxysporum race 1 in vivo under greenhouse conditions, suggesting potential for agricultural implementation.
  • Published in:PLoS ONE,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308200 / PMC11849816 / 39992986
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