In vitro Evaluation of the Antifungal Effect of Nanoparticles against Fusarium sacchari causing Pokkah Boeng Disease of Sugarcane

Author: Sneha Shikha, Geeta Sharma and Kajol Kumari

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Abstract

Nanomaterials can contribute to the formulation of new, sustainable and effective fungicides for the control of fungi such as Fusarium sacchari causing Pokkah boeng disease of sugarcane. The present investigation was undertaken to screen different concentrations of engineered nanoparticles in the management of Fusarium sacchari. In this work, various engineered nanoparticles were evaluated at four different concentrations (50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm) through poisoned food technique to determine their antifungal activity in inhibiting the mycelial growth of Fusarium sacchari. The cent per cent mycelial growth inhibition was noticed with silver nanoparticles at 200 ppm concentration which was significantly superior over other nanoparticles tested. Whereas, the least mycelial growth inhibition was noticed in alumina (71.18 %) followed by titanium dioxide nanoparticles (74.71 %). According to our findings, the application of silver nanoparticles could be a viable alternative for the control of Pokkah boeng disease or even be integrated into novel disease management strategies.

Keywords

Fusarium sacchari, nanoparticles, poison food technique, mycelial growth inhibition

Conclusion

Among five commercially available engineered nanoparticles tested, cent per cent mycelial growth inhibition was noticed with silver followed by silicon carbide (81.76 %) whereas, least inhibition was observed with alumina (71.18 %) at 200 ppm concentration. It is possible to use silver nanoparticles as fungicides to control Fusarium sacchari with relative safety. Despite this, regulation of nanoparticle use is still pending among the scientific community. It is essential to conduct more research into the toxic potential of silver nanoparticles and the possible risks they pose. A further assessment of their fungicide potential would require additional in vivo research.

References

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How to cite this article

Sneha Shikha, Geeta Sharma and Kajol Kumari (2023). In vitro Evaluation of the Antifungal Effect of Nanoparticles against Fusarium sacchari causing Pokkah Boeng Disease of Sugarcane. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5): 647-650.