Integrated application of grafted ZnO and fungicide to control the fungicide-resistant Colletotrichum spp

Abstract

BackgroundThe Food and Agriculture Organization has reported approximately 40 % of food loss due to damage from plant pests and diseases, including fungal infections. Continuous application of agrichemicals for controlling fungal infection cause the occurrence of fungicide resistance. Colletotrichum spp., major causal agents for strawberry anthracnose, have gained concern for fungicide resistance issues. MethodsWe developed novel antifungal strategies in the present study by integrating multibranched flower-like ZnO (fZnO) and agrochemicals (trifloxystrobin). fZnO compounds were synthesised using an eco-friendly and efficient hydrothermal method. Charged polymers with steric structures, such as hydrophilic polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI), were grafted onto fZnO surfaces to improve the suspension ability of the compounds. We used the grafted fZnO compounds in combination with the fungicide trifloxystrobin to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo activities. Significant findingsGrafted fZnO (80 ppm) and trifloxystrobin (100 ppm) effectively inhibited the growth of fungicide-resistant Colletotrichum spp. and limited strawberry anthracnose on leaves. PEI-grafted fZnO shows promise as an eco-friendly additive in sustainable agriculture due to its photocatalytic activity and ability to withstand environmental factors.