Biofungicidal activity of nanosilica for inhibition of seed-borne diseases in maize grains

Abstract

One of the most significant cereal crops is maize (Zea mays L.). It has great prospects as cereal crop because of its broad adaptability, various uses, and low production costs. Many factors play role in yield losses but fungal pathogen especially that associated with maize grains has the greatest impact on maize crop. In previous work and in order to analyze natural frequency in five Egyptian governorates, a total of 25 samples were collected, isolated fungi were identified and the most frequent fungi found to be Fusarium verticillioides, Aspergillus niger, Talaromyces verruculosus, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus terreus. In this work, nanosilica treatment was investigated in vitro and in vivo to determine its effect on the isolated fungi. Nanosilica demonstrated impact on the prevention of spore germination and mycelial growth in a direct contact testing. After foliar application, nanosilica showed promise for boosting the percentage of germination in maize grains and reducing fungal loads. The current study indicated the efficacy of using nanosilica on reduction of maize grains fungal seed-borne pathogens.