EFFICACY OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES OF EXTRACTIVES OF ARTEMISIA JUDAICA AGAINST ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE

Abstract

G reen synthesis of the nanoparticles is a novel technology that effectively uses the plants' crude extracts as safe and eco-friendly pesticide alternatives. The current study investigated the nematicidal activity of leave extracts of Artemisia judaica and their silver nanoparticles (Ag-NP). Characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles was done using the UV-Vis spectrophotometry and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the phytochemical contents of extracts and the Ag-NP formulations were characterized by the gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The results revealed that Ag-NP formulations were more toxic to the second juvenile (J2) of Meloidogyne incognita than the corresponding crude extracts. The inhibitory effects of all extractives on the egg and larval stages of the nematode were concentration dependent. The plant extracts synthesized in the form of silver nanoparticle showed comparable nematicidal activity against M. incognita to the recommended nematicide; rugby. The GC-MS analysis revealed the increase of certain secondary metabolites in the Ag-nano formulation, such as 4-(2',4',4'-trimethyl-yciclo[4.1.0]hept-2'-en-3'-yl)-3-buten-2-one, berkheyaradulene, caryophyllene, humulene, and allooaromadendrene were increased more than 20-30 folds. Silver nanoparticles of natural extracts might be considered as a suitable methodology to produce safe, effective and affordable nematicide alternatives.