Abstract
BackgroundChanging climate enhances the survival of pests and pathogens, which eventually affects crop yield and reduces its economic value. Novel approaches should be employed to ensure sustainable food security. Nano-based agri-chemicals provide a distinctive mechanism to increase productivity and manage phytopathogens, with minimal environmental distress. In vitro and in greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate the potential of green-synthesized iron-oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) in suppressing wilt infection caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycospersici, and improving tomato growth (Solanum lycopersicum) and fruit quality.ResultsVarious microwave powers (100–1000 W) were used to modulate the properties of the green-synthesized IONPs, using spinach as a starting material. The IONPs stabilized with black coffee extract were substantively characterized using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, dielectric and impedance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM, respectively), and magnetization analysis. XRD revealed a cubic magnetite (Fe3O4) phase with super-paramagnetic nature, detected at all microwave powers. The binding energies of Fe 2p3/2 (710.9 eV) and Fe 2p1/2 (724.5 eV) of Fe3O4 NPs were confirmed using XPS analysis at a microwave power of 1000 W. Uniform, spherical/cubical-shaped particles with an average diameter of 4 nm were confirmed using SEM and TEM analysis. A significant reduction in mycelial growth and spore germination was observed upon exposure to different IONP treatments. Malformed mycelium, DNA fragmentation, alternation in the cell membrane, and ROS production in F. oxysporum indicated the anti-microbial potential of the IONPs. The particles were applied both through the root (before transplantation) and by means of foliar application (after two weeks) to the infected seedlings. IONPs significantly reduced disease severity by an average of 47.8%, resulting in increased plant growth variables after exposure to 12.5 µg/mL of IONPs. Analysis of photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds, and anti-oxidant enzymes in the roots and shoots showed an increasing trend after exposure to various concentrations of IONPs. Correspondingly, lycopene, vitamin C, total flavonoids, and protein content were substantially improved in tomato fruits after treatment with IONPs.ConclusionThe findings of the current investigation suggested that the synthesized IONPs display anti-fungal and nutritional properties that can help to manage Fusarium wilt disease, resulting in enhanced plant growth and fruit quality.Graphical
Highlights
Changing climate enhances the survival of pests and pathogens, which eventually affects crop yield and reduces its economic value
We demonstrated the synthesis of iron-oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) by utilizing spinach powder and black coffee (BC) extract at various microwave powers from 100 to 1000 W
X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) results demonstrated the presence of phase-pure spinal-structured magnetite NPs at all the microwave powers
Summary
Changing climate enhances the survival of pests and pathogens, which eventually affects crop yield and reduces its economic value. Nanotechnology has a new function in agriculture, in bringing about the suppression of pathogen infection (bacterial, viral, and fungal), by improving plant nutrition, and directly enhancing nutritional value and crop yield [7]. IONPs are reduced in size and have higher solubility than other complex molecules, which facilitates plants with a greater level of iron [10]. These compounds provide an optimum environment for plant enhancement and aversion of stress conditions, by generating secondary metabolites [11]. Earlier reports have indicated that under stress conditions, IONPs elevate the anti-oxidant activity in various plants such as Mentha piperita [9], Triticum aestivum [14, 15], Solanum lycopersicum [10], and Dracocephalum moldavica [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
