First Report on Synthesis of Green Nanoparticles and Their Bio-Efficacy against Colletotrichum truncatum Causing Pod Blight Disease in Soybean

Abstract

Background: Nanotechnology is emerging approach, which involves the process of reduction of bulk material into nano size particles. Metal based and green based particles can be used in crop management against disease causing pathogens. This study focuses on synthesis of nanoparticles to evaluate its effect on Colletotrichum truncatum that causes pod blight disease in soybean crop. Methods: In this study, green nanoformulation namely, Chitosan based zinc oxide nanoformulation (ChZnNF), P. fluorescens based zinc nanoformulation (PfZnNF), Pomegranate aril-based Sulphur (PASNF) and Pomegranate aril-based silver nano formulations (PAAgNF) were synthesised through irradiation method. These nanoformulations were evaluated against C. truncatum through in vitro technique using poison food technique. The effective concentration of each formulation was also evaluated against C. Truncatum challenge inoculated soybean plants (two varieties). Percent disease index in the glasshouse condition was recorded. Result: In the in vitro analysis, it was found that among the four nanoformulations, PAAgNF was found to be the effective one to inhibit the mycelial growth of C. truncatum with per cent inhibition of 84.71. In the glasshouse study, PAAgNF did not record any disease symptoms besides no record of phytotoxicity symptoms. Thus the outcome indicated that PAAgNF is the effective green nanoformulation against C. truncatum.