“INVESTIGATION OF in vitro AND in vivo ANTIFUNGAL PROPERTY OF BIOLOGICALLY SYNTHESIZED COPPER NANOPARTICLES (CuNP) AGAINST Rhizoctonia solani A PHYTOPATHOGEN OF SOYBEAN (Glycine max, L. Merrill)”

Abstract

The synthesis of metal nanoparticles using microorganisms is an important and expanding research area. Artificial methods for synthesis of nanoparticles are hazardous and non eco-friendly. The green synthesis methods for nanoparticles synthesis are convenient and environmentally safe. In the present study, the CuNP were extracellularly synthesized from rhizospheric fungi i.e. Fusarium brachygibbosum isolated and identified from healthy Soybean plant. UV-Visible spectroscopy confirmed the synthesis of copper nanoparticles. SEM micrographs and X-RAY diffraction analysis indicated CuNP were in zerovalent state with particle size 2-4 nm. The antifungal activity of copper nanoparticles was analyzed by food poisoning technique at different concentration. In vitro condition the copper CuNP showed highest antifungal activity against C. truncatum followed by M. phaseolina, S. rolfsii, R. solani, F. oxysporum and A. alternate. Further, in pot experiments the CuNP were tested against R. solani. The soybean seeds were treated with CuNP at different concentration and sowed in an experimental pots containing R. solani sick soil. In the present experiment the maximum germination rate, root-shoot length and Seedling Vigor Index (SVI) of Soybean seeds were found to be at 50 ppm. Whereas, the minimum disease incidences were found to be at 50 ppm. Application of nanoparticles can encourage the germination and improve plant productivity. The present study indicates the possibilities of development of value added product from green synthesis method utilized for better and improved agroeconomy.     

Keywords: Copper nanoparticles, Antifungal property, Soybean crop, Fusarium brachygibbosum and Phytopathogens.