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

Summary

Bananas are threatened by a fungal disease called Fusarium wilt that damages crops worldwide. Scientists tested tiny silver particles called nanoparticles as a treatment for this disease on banana plants. The treatment successfully reduced disease by about 68% when applied to the roots, showing promise as an alternative to traditional fungicides for protecting banana crops.

Background

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) is a devastating disease affecting banana crops worldwide, particularly threatening Ecuador’s major agricultural commodity. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are emerging as innovative solutions for controlling fungal diseases in plant protection due to their antimicrobial properties and low-dose effectiveness.

Objective

To validate the antifungal efficacy of three different silver nanoparticle formulations (Argovit-1220, Argovit-1221, and Argovit-C) against Ecuadorian Fusarium oxysporum race 1 strains through both in vitro and in vivo greenhouse assays.

Results

In vitro results showed more than 95% inhibition at 25 mg L−1 concentration with IC50 values ranging from 1.35-23.26 mg L−1 depending on the strain and AgNP formulation. Greenhouse bioassays demonstrated 68% average disease reduction, with better control achieved through radicular application where Argovit-1220 achieved 81.29% inhibition.

Conclusion

Silver nanoparticles demonstrated high antifungal potential for controlling Fusarium wilt of bananas at concentrations as low as 25 mg L−1 in vitro and 100 mg L−1 in vivo. This is the first study validating AgNP efficacy against Foc race 1 under greenhouse conditions, suggesting AgNPs as a promising alternative to conventional fungicides.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39992986, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308200
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