Application of silver nanoparticles for the control of cotton wilting disease factor verticillium dahliae kleb

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) possess antifungal and antibacterial activity against various microorganisms. Verticillium dahliae Kleb. is very dangerous soil borne fungal pathogen on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), which has also harmful effects on more than 400 crops. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the control of phytopathogenic fungus Verticillum dahliae Kleb. AgNPs were synthesized by green approach by using Laurus nobilis leaf extract. Green synthesized silver nanoparticles characterized by using UV-VIS spectrophotometer, FT-IR, and ZETA analysis. The results indicated that the nanoparticles are naturally coated with phytocontent. The average size of AgNPs were determined about 180 nm and also negatively charged (-11 mV). In vitro antifungal activity tests showed that AgNP treatments inhibited the mycelium growth of Verticillium dahliae. AgNP effects on green house grown cotton seedlings were analysed by morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters. Data showed that AgNP did not cause any adverse affect on growth and photosynthetic pigment contents along with PSII activity of seedlings up to 500 ppm. Moreover, AgNP treatment did not lead oxidative stress on cotton seedlings. Results revealed that green synthesized AgNP by using laurel leaf extracts may serve an eco-friendly, efficient and non-toxic tool to control wilting disease factor Verticillum dahlia on cotton. Key Words: Silver Nanoparticle, Verticillium dahliae, cotton, Gossypium hirsutum