Biogenic iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Trichoderma spp.: A sustainable approach for fusarium wilt management in tomato.
Naik H, Manoharadas S, Bommayasamy N, Thomas J, Gobi M, Thiruvengadam M, Amaresan N.
Biocontrol
Fusarium wilt can silently kill your tomato plants from the roots up, and these naturally-made particles — brewed from a soil fungus — cut infection rates by nearly 90% without the toxic chemical load of conventional fungicides.
Researchers harnessed a helpful soil fungus to produce microscopic iron oxide particles roughly 1,000 times smaller than a human hair. When applied to tomato plants fighting a severe root and stem disease, these particles nearly eliminated the infection while also making the plants grow dramatically bigger and greener. Because the particles are made from natural biological processes and show low toxicity, they could one day replace harsher chemical sprays on food crops.
Key Findings
Biogenic iron oxide nanoparticles inhibited Fusarium oxysporum growth by 76.19% in lab tests — more than four times better than the commercial fungicide carbendazim (17.86%).
Greenhouse tomato plants treated with 100 ppm nanoparticles showed 89.8% reduced disease incidence alongside explosive growth: shoots 143% longer, roots 179% longer, and wet weight up 506%.
Soil health improved alongside plant health: soil enzyme (dehydrogenase) activity rose 170%, and the nanoparticles carry a low-toxicity rating (LD50: 5,000 mg/kg, Class 4).
chevron_right Technical Summary
Scientists used a beneficial soil fungus (Trichoderma) to manufacture tiny iron oxide nanoparticles, then tested them against Fusarium wilt — a devastating tomato disease. At 100 ppm, the particles reduced disease incidence by nearly 90% and dramatically boosted plant growth, outperforming a leading commercial fungicide.
Abstract Preview
Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum poses a significant threat to tomato cultivation worldwide and requiring the development of sustainable and effective control measures. This study explore...
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