Development of MgO-sepoilite Nanocomposites against Phytopathogenic Fungi of Rice (Oryzae sativa): A Green Approach

Abstract

Innovation in agriculture is a vital organ of research for sustainable food supply to the increasing global population. Organic compounds used as fungicidal agents against seed-borne pathogens are bracketed due to their toxic nature and residual effects, which are either already banned or may get banned in the near future. In this study, the surface and electric properties of nontoxic sepiolite have been blended with the antimicrobial properties of metabolizable MgO nanoforms (nMgO) as a greener alternative to prepare their nanocomposites. We compared a sepiolite-MgO (SE-MgO) nanocomposite with MgO nanoparticles in an aqua dispersed form (aqMgO-NPs) for their antifungal evaluation against various phytopathogenic fungi of rice. The SE-MgO nanocomposite was more potent in comparison to aqMgO-NPs with ED 90 > 230 and 249 μg/mL, respectively, against the test fungi better than standard fungicides. Ultramicroscopic studies revealed hyphal distortion and spore collapse as the cause of antimycotic activity. The in vitro seed treatment revealed 100% hyphal reduction with SE-MgO at 250 μg/mL of MgO as an active ingredient (a.i.). MgO and sepiolite both have been regarded as safe materials by international agencies; therefore, using their nanocomposites can be an effective, sustainable, nontoxic, eco-friendly, and residue-free strategy for combating fungal menace against phytopathogens.

Sustainable synthesis of microwave-assisted IONPs using Spinacia oleracea L. for control of fungal wilt by modulating the defense system in tomato plants

“…Stratagems based on “nanoparticle-technology” have resulted in fascinating outputs owing to their innate characteristics [ 2 ]. Novel practices in agriculture are a dynamic factor in research, to meet the needs for consistent food supply to the global population [ 3 ]. Nanotechnology, an emerging interdisciplinary field of the modern era, has an important impact on people’s lives, as it has the potential to resolve most of the scientific problems, and thus, has proven its essentiality in most fields, including agriculture and allied industries [ 4 ].…”

Nanohybrid Antifungals for Control of Plant Diseases: Current Status and Future Perspectives

“…Further, silver nanoparticles can cause extensive damage by breaking the hyphal wall membrane followed by internal damage of the hyphae. Sepiolite, a magnesium silicate, was blended with MgO to form a (SE-MgO) nanocomposite that exhibited excellent antifungal activity against rice pathogen Fusarium verticillioides , Bipolaris oryzae , and Fusarium fujikuroi with ED90 > 249 μg/mL compared with MgONPs [ 36 ].…”

Mechanical and antimicrobial properties of low‐density‐polyethylene/MgO nanocomposites

“…However, these nanoparticles could be toxic in the human body and need external stimulus, such as UV irradiations, to exhibit antimicrobial behavior 7,8 . One alternative to these typical metal oxides is magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles because they are degraded in the body 9,10 . The Mg 2+ ions released by the degradation can be effectively eliminated outside the human body 10 .…”

“…7,8 One alternative to these typical metal oxides is magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles because they are degraded in the body. 9,10 The Mg 2+ ions released by the degradation can be effectively eliminated outside the human body. 10 On the other hand, MgO nanoparticles are also biocompatible and remarkably stable under harsh conditions.…”