Inhibition of Fusarium solani in transgenic insect-resistant cotton plants treated with silver nanoparticles from Prosopis glandulosa and Pluchea sericea

The phytosynthesis of nanoparticles is a green chemistry approach that combines nanotechnology and bioactive compounds of plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Prosopis glandulosa and Pluchea sericea, respectively, on the control of Fusarium solani previously inoculated in the rhizosphere of transgenic insect-resistant cotton plants. The results showed that the weekly application of AgNPs from P. glandulosa and P. sericea caused a diminution of fungal propagules in the soil after 30 days of treatment. In this sense, the AgNPs from P. glandulosa were more efficient in the reduction of infection points in the roots of the plants infected with F. solani compared with AgNPs from P. sericea. Additionally, the application of AgNPs from both plants showed a significant increase of optimum quantum yield (Fv/Fm), stomata conductance (gs), and the number of lateral roots in transgenic insect-resistant cotton plants after 30 days of exposure when compared to the control. Based on our results, AgNPs from P. glandulosa and P. sericea could inhibit growth of Fusarium solani. However, more extensive and elaborate studies are needed to explain the different mechanisms that participate in the inhibition of growth of fungus using nanoparticles from these plants.