Application of silica nanoparticles in maize to enhance fungal resistance. Issue 3 (1st September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Suriyaprabha, Rangaraj; Karunakaran, Gopalu; Kavitha, Kandiah; Yuvakkumar, Rathinam; Rajendran, Venkatachalam; Kannan, Narayanasamy
• Is Part Of: IET nanobiotechnology. Volume 8:Issue 3(2014)
• Page Start: 133
• Page End: 137
• Publication Date: 2014-09-01
• Subjects: agricultural engineering -- botany -- crops -- enzymes -- microorganisms -- molecular biophysics -- nanobiotechnology -- nanoparticles -- silicon compounds -- plant diseases; silica nanoparticles -- maize -- fungal resistance -- phytopathogens -- Fusarium oxysporum -- Aspergillus niger -- bulk silica -- plant responsive compounds -- phenols -- phenylalanine ammonia -- lyase -- peroxidase -- polyphenol oxidase -- phenolic compounds -- stress‐responsive enzymes -- hydrophobic potential -- silica accumulation percentage -- antifungal agent -- size 20 nm to 40 nm -- SiO2; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 660.6
• DOI: 10.1049/iet-nbt.2013.0004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-8741

Abstract

Abstract : In this study, maize treated with nanosilica (20–40 nm) is screened for resistance against phytopathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus niger and compared with that of bulk silica. The resistivity is measured for disease index and expression of plant responsive compounds such as total phenols, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. The results indicate that nanosilica‐treated plant shows a higher expression of phenolic compounds (2056 and 743 mg/ml) and a lower expression of stress‐responsive enzymes against both the fungi. Maize expresses more resistance to Aspergillus spp., than Fusarium spp. These results show significantly higher resistance in maize treated with nanosilica than with bulk, especially at 10 and 15 kg/ha. In addition, hydrophobic potential and silica accumulation percentage of nanosilica treated maize (86.18° and 19.14%) are higher than bulk silica treatment. Hence, silica nanoparticles can be used as an alternative potent antifungal agent against phytopathogens.