Mangosteen Peel Extract Helps Rice Grow and Fights Plant Disease

Jim Crocker
18th January, 2024

Mangosteen Peel Extract Helps Rice Grow and Fights Plant Disease

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana)

Photo adapted from: Eduardo Chacón Madrigal / CC BY (Source)
The increasing need for sustainable agricultural practices has driven research into alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides and growth promoters. Bacterial plant diseases, like rice blight, cause significant crop losses, and reliance on antibiotics contributes to antibiotic resistance. Simultaneously, there’s a growing interest in utilising naturally derived compounds to boost plant health and yields. Researchers at Kasetsart University[1] have investigated a promising approach: using plant extracts to create zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and evaluating their potential as both antibacterial agents and plant growth enhancers. The study focused on mangosteen peel, a byproduct of the fruit industry, and its potential to synthesise ZnO NPs. The core idea is to leverage the chemical compounds within the peel to facilitate the creation of these nanoparticles in an environmentally friendly manner. This approach aligns with the broader trend of “green synthesis” of nanoparticles, which is considered safer and more ecologically sound than conventional chemical methods[2][3]. Zinc oxide nanoparticles are already known for their diverse applications, ranging from cosmetics to gas sensors, and importantly, for their antimicrobial properties and potential to improve agricultural outcomes[3]. The process involved extracting compounds from the mangosteen peel using ethanol, then using this extract to initiate the formation of ZnO NPs. Several analytical techniques were then employed to characterise the resulting nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction confirmed the creation of ZnO NPs with a specific crystalline structure (wurtzite) and a size of approximately 38.71 nanometers – a nanometer is one billionth of a meter. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy revealed a key absorption peak, indicating a band gap energy of 2.88 eV, a property relevant to the nanoparticle’s optical characteristics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that compounds from the mangosteen peel were incorporated into the structure of the ZnO NPs. Crucially, the researchers then tested the effectiveness of these biosynthesized ZnO NPs against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, the bacterium responsible for rice blight. The results were encouraging. The ZnO NPs demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, inhibiting the growth of the pathogen. Specifically, they determined an IC50 value of 1.895 mg/mL – the concentration needed to inhibit 50% of bacterial growth – and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4 mg/mL, the lowest concentration that completely stops growth. Beyond their antibacterial properties, the study also investigated the impact of the ZnO NPs on rice plant growth. Rice plants were treated with the nanoparticles at concentrations corresponding to twice the IC50 value. The results showed a positive effect on plant development, with treated plants exhibiting increased root length, greater dry biomass (total plant weight), and higher chlorophyll a content – a measure of photosynthetic activity. This suggests that the ZnO NPs not only combat the disease but also promote overall plant health and vigour. These findings build upon earlier research demonstrating the beneficial effects of ZnO NPs on plant physiology and their ability to mitigate the impact of abiotic stresses like drought or salinity[4]. The current study extends this knowledge by demonstrating the potential of a specific, plant-derived synthesis method and its application to a significant agricultural problem. Furthermore, the use of mangosteen peel extract offers a sustainable and cost-effective approach to nanoparticle production, addressing concerns about the environmental impact and economic viability of nanotechnology[2]. The research also echoes the growing demand for natural preservatives and antioxidants in food and agriculture, as seen in studies exploring the use of pomegranate peel extracts[5], highlighting a broader trend towards bio-based solutions.

AgricultureSustainabilityBiotech

References

Main Study

1) Potential usage of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles from mangosteen peel ethanol extract to inhibit Xanthomonas oryzae and promote rice growth.

Published 15th January, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24076

Related Studies

2) ZnO nanostructured materials and their potential applications: progress, challenges and perspectives.

https://doi.org/10.1039/d1na00880c

3) Zinc oxide nanoparticles for revolutionizing agriculture: synthesis and applications.

https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/925494

4) Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Help to Enhance Plant Growth and Alleviate Abiotic Stress: A Review.

https://doi.org/10.2174/1389203721666201016144848

5) Pomegranate peel as phenolic compounds source: Advanced analytical strategies and practical use in meat products.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2019.107914


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