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Antifungal activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on Fusarium equiseti phytopathogen isolated from tomato plant in Nepal

Summary

Researchers in Nepal developed a natural way to fight tomato plant diseases by creating tiny zinc oxide nanoparticles from tea leaves. These nanoparticles successfully stopped the growth of a harmful fungus called Fusarium equiseti that was damaging tomato crops. Unlike chemical fungicides that can harm the environment, this eco-friendly approach damaged the fungus’s cell structures without posing risks to surrounding ecosystems, offering farmers a safer way to protect their crops.

Background

Fungal diseases pose a major threat to global agriculture, causing reduced crop yields and significant economic impact. Chemical fungicides are insufficient for disease management and contribute to environmental damage and fungicide resistance development. Nanotechnology-based techniques, particularly zinc oxide nanoparticles, offer eco-friendly alternatives for controlling phytopathogenic fungi.

Objective

To isolate and identify fungal pathogens causing Fusarium wilt in tomatoes in Nepal, synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles from tea leaf extract, and evaluate their antifungal activity against the isolated Fusarium equiseti strain.

Results

The isolated fungus was identified as Fusarium equiseti with 99.6% identity match. ZnO nanoparticles ranged from 8.7-22.2 nm in size with average diameter of 14 nm. At concentrations of 750-1200 ppm, ZnO NPs inhibited F. equiseti growth by 77.6-85.1% at 7 days, while microscopy revealed morphological abnormalities including hyphal agglomeration, curved tips, and mycelial breakage.

Conclusion

ZnO nanoparticles synthesized from tea leaves demonstrate promising antifungal activity against F. equiseti, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for controlling plant diseases. The nanoparticles caused significant growth inhibition through morphological damage to fungal structures, suggesting potential for broader agricultural applications against other phytopathogenic fungi.
  • Published in:Heliyon,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40198, PMID: 39624271
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