article · Microorganisms
Engineered selenium and silica nanoparticles offer a promising alternative to synthetic fungicides for managing Alternaria leaf spot disease in common bean crops. Laboratory evaluations and two-season field trials assessed nano-selenium and nano-silica against traditional fungicide treatments and untreated controls. Laboratory tests showed that nano-selenium achieved an 85.1 per cent reduction in fungal mycelial growth, whilst a half-dose combination with nano-silica achieved 77.8 per cent efficacy. In field conditions, nano-selenium and the combined nanoparticle treatment matched conventional chemical fungicides in suppressing disease severity. Furthermore, compared to untreated crops, application increased dry seed yield by 30 per cent, total leaf weight by 38.3 per cent, and leaf numbers per plant by 25.7 per cent. Treated plants also demonstrated higher chlorophyll concentrations and elevated antioxidant enzyme capacity, indicating that these nanomaterials can simultaneously combat fungal pathogens and stimulate crop development.
Widespread use of chemical fungicides threatens natural ecosystems and human health, generating demand for safer crop protection strategies. Demonstrating that mineral nanoparticles can match synthetic chemicals while improving crop yield provides a clear route to reducing chemical inputs. This approach could safeguard essential legume crops against fungal damage while boosting overall agricultural productivity and supporting environmental safety.
This work represents applied and tested research for input manufacturers and agricultural biotechnology companies seeking alternative crop protection products. The formulations could be developed into mineral-based treatments for common bean producers facing Alternaria infections. Because field efficacy and yield benefits were confirmed across two seasons, the concept is well beyond initial laboratory proof of concept, though further research into biological mechanisms and broader safety is required before near-market product development can proceed.
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There is an urgent need to reduce the intensive use of chemical fungicides due to their potential damage to human health and the environment. The current study investigated whether nano-selenium (nano-Se) and nano-silica (nano-SiO<sub>2</sub>) could be used against the leaf spot disease caused by <i>Alternaria alternata</i> in a common bean (<i>Phaseolus vulgaris</i> L.). The engineered Se and SiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles were compared to a traditional fungicide and a negative control with no treatment, and experiments were repeated during two successive seasons in fields and in vitro. The in vitro study showed that 100 ppm nano-Se had an efficacy rate of 85.1% on <i>A. alternata</i> mycelial growth, followed by the combined applications (Se + SiO<sub>2</sub> at half doses) with an efficacy rate of 77.8%. The field study showed that nano-Se and the combined application of nano-Se and nano-SiO<sub>2</sub> significantly decreased the disease severity of <i>A. alternata</i>. There were no significant differences among nano-Se, the combined application, and the fungicide treatment (positive control). As compared to the negative control (no treatment), leaf weight increased by 38.3%, the number of leaves per plant by 25.7%, chlorophyll A by 24%, chlorophyll B by 17.5%, and total dry seed yield by 30%. In addition, nano-Se significantly increased the enzymatic capacity (i.e., CAT, POX, PPO) and antioxidant activity in the leaves. Our current study is the first to report that the selected nano-minerals are real alternatives to chemical fungicides for controlling <i>A. alternata</i> in common beans. This work suggests the potential of nanoparticles as alternatives to fungicides. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms and how different nano-materials could be used against phytopathogens.
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DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030728
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