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Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using fermentation extracts from a mangrove soil bacterium: morphological characterization, and antifungal activities against rice blast fungus

Summary

Researchers developed tiny silver particles made from bacteria found in mangrove soil that effectively kill the fungus causing rice blast disease. These nanoparticles work better than current chemical fungicides and are much safer for the environment and aquatic life. The particles stop the fungus from growing and spreading in rice plants, offering farmers a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical pesticides.

Background

Rice blast, caused by Pyricularia oryzae, threatens global rice production with 20-30% annual yield losses. Chemical fungicides cause environmental and health concerns due to inefficient delivery and pesticide runoff. This study aimed to develop an eco-friendly alternative using green nanotechnology.

Objective

To synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using fermentation extracts from a mangrove soil bacterium, characterize their properties, evaluate antifungal activities against P. oryzae, and assess their ecotoxicity compared to commercial fungicides.

Results

RFE-AgNPs (4.5-37 nm, average 19.24 nm) inhibited P. oryzae colony growth by 77% at 20 μg mL⁻¹. Nanoparticles disrupted conidial germination, germ tube elongation, appressorium formation, and interfered with cAMP signaling and lipid/glycogen metabolism. RFE-AgNPs showed significantly lower toxicity to A. salina compared to isoprothiolane and commercial AgNPs, with >75% survival at 200 μg mL⁻¹.

Conclusion

RFE-AgNPs synthesized from mangrove soil bacterial extracts demonstrated strong antifungal efficacy against rice blast with low environmental toxicity, making them promising candidates for eco-friendly biopesticides. Future work should focus on scaling up production and evaluating field efficacy under real agricultural conditions.
  • Published in:Pest Management Science,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 41204795, DOI: 10.1002/ps.70358
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