Silver Nanoparticles Help Control Wheat Diseases and Preserve Seed Quality

Jenn Hoskins
10th August, 2024

Silver Nanoparticles Help Control Wheat Diseases and Preserve Seed Quality

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The University of North Bengal study found that silver nanochitosan (Ag-NC) at 0.5 mg/mL completely inhibited the growth of fungal pathogens Aspergillus flavus and A. niger in wheat seeds
  • Nano-priming wheat seeds with Ag-NC significantly reduced fungal load, improved seed germination rates, and enhanced levels of essential proteins and nutrients
  • The study confirmed that Ag-NC nanoparticles are safe for agricultural use, showing no cytotoxic effects on human cell lines at the tested concentration
Seed-borne pathogens pose a significant threat to agriculture, impacting crop yield and quality. The University of North Bengal has conducted a recent study[1] that explores the use of silver nanochitosan (Ag-NC) for nano-priming wheat seeds to combat fungal pathogens Aspergillus flavus and A. niger. This study aims to enhance seed quality and promote plant growth while ensuring the nanoparticles' safety. Nanochitosan (NC) and Ag-NC were synthesized using a gelation method and characterized through various techniques, including UV–vis spectrophotometry and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The synthesized NC and Ag-NC exhibited average particle sizes of 275 nm and 325 nm, respectively, with irregular surface topography. The antifungal activity was tested at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 mg/mL, revealing that Ag-NC at 0.5 mg/mL completely inhibited the mycelial growth of both fungal pathogens. The study found that malonaldehyde content, an indicator of oxidative stress, increased significantly in both A. flavus and A. niger when exposed to 0.5 mg/mL Ag-NC. High-intensity fluorescence due to oxidative stress was observed in the treated pathogens, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed pronounced membrane damage in the pathogenic spores. To assess the impact on seed quality, wheat seeds were nano-primed with NC and Ag-NC at 0.5 mg/mL. This treatment reduced the fungal load and improved seed germination rates. Ag-NC priming also enhanced the levels of essential proteins such as albumin, gliadin, gluten, and glutenin, along with total phenol, reducing sugar, and starch levels. The overall protein levels were traced through SDS-PAGE analysis, confirming the positive effects of Ag-NC priming on seed quality. The study's findings align with previous research on the benefits of chitosan and its derivatives. Chitosan is known for its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and significant antibacterial potential[2]. The current study extends these benefits to antifungal applications, demonstrating that Ag-NC can effectively control fungal pathogens while promoting plant growth. Moreover, the study addresses concerns about the environmental and phytotoxic effects of nanoparticles. Previous research has highlighted the importance of evaluating phytotoxicity when using nanoparticles in agriculture[3]. The University of North Bengal's study confirmed that NC and Ag-NC at 0.5 mg/mL showed no cytotoxic effects on the Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK293) cell line, ensuring the nanoparticles' safety for agricultural use. This research also builds on earlier findings regarding the use of chitosan nanoparticles in plant growth and development. For instance, nano-chitosan has been shown to modify growth, morphogenesis, and physiology in plants like Capsicum annuum L., with both favorable and adverse effects depending on the concentration used[4]. The current study corroborates these findings by demonstrating that Ag-NC can promote seed germination and stress tolerance without adverse effects at the tested concentration. Furthermore, the study's results are consistent with previous research on the antifungal properties of chitosan-based nanoparticles. Chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) and chitosan silver nanocomposites (CAgNCs) have been shown to effectively reduce fungal growth and cause morphological and ultrastructural changes in pathogens like Fusarium oxysporum[5]. The University of North Bengal's study confirms that Ag-NC can achieve similar results against Aspergillus species, further validating the potential of chitosan-based nanoparticles as antifungal agents. In summary, the University of North Bengal's study demonstrates that silver nanochitosan (Ag-NC) can effectively control seed-borne fungal pathogens while enhancing seed quality and promoting plant growth. The nanoparticles are safe for agricultural use, showing no cytotoxic effects on human cell lines. This research builds on previous studies[2][3][4][5], confirming the potential of chitosan-based nanoparticles as sustainable and effective solutions for agricultural applications.

AgricultureBiotechPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Effect of silver nanochitosan on control of seed-borne pathogens and maintaining seed quality of wheat

Published 9th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s42483-024-00260-x

Related Studies

2) Factors Influencing the Antibacterial Activity of Chitosan and Chitosan Modified by Functionalization.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22147449

3) Nanobrass CuZn Nanoparticles as Foliar Spray Nonphytotoxic Fungicides.

https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.7b17017

4) Potential benefits and phytotoxicity of bulk and nano-chitosan on the growth, morphogenesis, physiology, and micropropagation of Capsicum annuum.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.04.013

5) Comparative study on antifungal activities of chitosan nanoparticles and chitosan silver nano composites against Fusarium oxysporum species complex.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.07.056


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