Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Agnps) by fusarium concolor and inhibition of plant pathogens

Abstract

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) in agriculture represents an important technological innovation, which can be employed in the production of nanofertilizers, nanocides or pesticides encapsulated in nanoparticles for controlled release. Silver NPs are recognized for their applications in agriculture, biotechnology and medicine. The objective of this paper was to study the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by endophytic Fusarium concolor obtained from guaraná leaves and seeds, as well as to evaluate the antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles on the in vitro control of the phytopathogens Colletotrichum guaranicola, Colletotrichum spp. and Corynespora cassiicola. Four endophytic Fusarium concolor isolates were used to produce silver nanoparticles. Characterization of NPs was performed by UV-Vis spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mycelial growth of phytopathogens in the presence of AgNPs was evaluated in vitro, evidencing antifungal activity, especially against Colletotrichum guaranicola, which suggests that biosynthesized silver nanoparticles can be used in the management of phytopathogens as an alternative to control diseases.