Copper nanoparticles hold promise in the effective management of maize diseases without impairing environmental health

A novel method of management maize pathogens in vitro and vivo using newly synthesized copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) has been documented this study. CuNPs have CuSO4 as a precursor, NaBH4 ascorbic acid reducing agent, polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG-8000) stabilizing agent. Characterization Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) confirmed the nanoparticles’ size range 35–70 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed association alcohol groups allyl halides group with CuNPs. The exhibited significant inhibition at 20 ppm three pathogenic fungi namely Macrophomina phaseolina, Bipolaris maydis, Fusarium verticillioides, 50 against Rhizoctonia solani. Bactericidal property was evidenced Erwinia carotovora Ralstonia solanacearum 30 ppm. Evaluation two diseases viz., maydis leaf blight (MLB) banded sheath (BLSB) culminated reduction percent disease index (PDI). Seed treatment together foliar spray @ 300 resulted MLB. However, BLSB reduced relatively less same aforesaid concentration nevertheless, it evinced best controlling disease. were found inimical beneficial bacteria. positive effect observed on soil enzyme activities dehydrogenase, urease, alkaline phosphatase seedling characters shoot length, root number roots per seedlings, fresh dry weight.