Evaluation of the Mycogenic Biosynthesis of Silver Nanofungicides' Efficacy against Blight Disease Infestations of Phytophthora Infestans and Alternaria Soloni in Potato Solanum Tuberosum

Abstract

This research evaluates the efficacy of chemical fungicides against nanofungicides in protecting Potato crops from Early and Late Blight. With the help of the IARI-ITCC, diseased solanaceous vegetables were gathered for the purpose of isolating early and late blight pathogens (Alternaria solani and Phytophthora infestans, respectively). Aspergillus niger and A. flavus biomass at 100 mg and 1 gm biomass per ml concentrations, respectively, were used as a catalyst for the production of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles in the presence of silver nitrate and zinc nitrate precursor salts. The sizes, shapes, and concentrations of synthesised nanoparticles were determined using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FESEM, EDX, FTIR, DLS, AFM, and ICPMS. Silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles were tested in vitro against A. solani and P. infestans to determine their minimum inhibitory concentration. Using UV-Vis spectroscopy and FTIR, we analysed the process by which microbes and metals interact in reaction conditions.