Silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles are compatible with fungal biocontrol agents

Abstract

Phytopathogens, are the major challenge for the crop production. Frequent application of pesticides has developed pesticides resistance of pests, accumulating residues in environment and also affects human health. Application of nanoparticles holds a significant promise in plant protection. Fungal bio-control agents are effectively used for controlling the phytopathogens and improving the plant health. The combine application of biocontrol agents with nanoparticles can protect plants from pests and diseases. In this study commercial silver nanoparticle, mycosilver nanoparticle and zinc oxide nanoparticles were used at different concentrations for the compatibility test with two promising fungal biocontrol agents. T. harzianumwas found 100% compatible with commercial silver nanoparticle at 5000ppm. Compatibility of T. harzianumat 1000ppm and 5000 ppm of myco-silvernanoparticle was 98.94% and 90% respectively. But the growth of T. harzianum was inhibited by all the tested concentrations (100ppm, 200ppm, 300ppm & 400ppm) of zinc oxide nanoparticle. On the other hand B. bassianawas found 100% compatibile with commercial silver nanoparticle up to 5000 ppm. Compatibility of B. bassiana with 1000ppm and 5000ppm of mycosilver nanoparticle were 92.91% and 86.80%respectively. Though the growth of B. bassiana was inhibited at 400ppm of zinc-oxide nanoparticle but the per cent inhibition was less than 5.0%.