Abstract
Phytophthora cinnamomi, responsible for “root rot” or “dieback” plant disease, causes a significant amount of economic and environmental impact. In this work, the fungicide action of nanocomposites based on silver nanoparticles and polyphenol inclusion compounds, which feature enhanced bioavailability and water solubility, was assayed for the control of this soil-borne water mold. Inclusion compounds were prepared by an aqueous two-phase system separation method through extraction, either in an hydroalcoholic solution with chitosan oligomers (COS) or in a choline chloride:urea:glycerol deep eutectic solvent (DES). The new inclusion compounds were synthesized from stevioside and various polyphenols (gallic acid, silymarin, ferulic acid and curcumin), in a [6:1] ratio in the COS medium and in a [3:1] ratio in the DES medium, respectively. Their in vitro response against Phytophthora cinnamomi isolate MYC43 (at concentrations of 125, 250 and 500 µg·mL−1) was tested, which found a significant mycelial growth inhibition, particularly high for the composites prepared using DES. Therefore, these nanocomposites hold promise as an alternative to fosetyl-Al and metalaxyl conventional systemic fungicides.
Highlights
Nanotechnology has shown remarkable applications in biomedicine, diagnosis and antibacterial treatments, and is transforming the agricultural sector, with the development of novel nanopesticides and nanofertilizers [1]
At lower concentrations (125 and 250 μg·mL−1), silymarin and ferulic acid-based treatments were more effective than those based on gallic acid and curcumin
Composites consisting of silver nanoparticles and polyphenol inclusion compounds were synthesized using two preparation media, one based on chitosan oligomers in an hydroalcoholic solution and the other based on a deep eutectic solvent
Summary
Nanotechnology has shown remarkable applications in biomedicine, diagnosis and antibacterial treatments, and is transforming the agricultural sector, with the development of novel nanopesticides and nanofertilizers [1]. The increase in the frequency of resistant or tolerant pathogenic agents, which has in turn led to an excessive application of pesticides, has resulted in an increase in the presence of residues in food products, which may pose a major risk to health. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which feature antibacterial, antifungal and antitumor activities [3,4,5], are one of the most popular active ingredients employed to enhance the efficacy of plant protection products. They can be prepared through green synthesis procedures with the aid of plant extracts [6], which act as reducing and stabilizing agents.
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