DefinePK

Research Objective

To investigate the antimicrobial effect of green synthesized Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles against Cercospora canescens, a fungal pathogen causing Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) in mung bean, and to assess their impact on plant growth and immunity.

Methodology

Green synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles using Moringa oleifera leaf extract.
Preparation of Cercospora canescens spore suspension.
In vitro antifungal assay using the agar dilution method with TiO2 nanoparticle concentrations of 50 mgL⁻¹ and 150 mgL⁻¹.
In vivo antifungal assay using seed priming with TiO2 nanoparticle suspensions (50 and 150 mgL⁻¹) on two mung bean varieties (NM-51 and NM-2021).
Disease assessment, measurement of morphological (root length, shoot length, leaf surface area), physiological (chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance), and biochemical parameters (SOD, POD, CAT activity).
Gene expression analysis of the Pathogenesis-related (PR-1) gene using qRT-PCR.
Statistical analysis using ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison test.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Green Synthesis of TiO2 NPs] --> B[Preparation of Fungal Spore Suspension];
    B --> C[In Vitro Antifungal Assay];
    A --> D[In Vivo Antifungal AssaySeed Priming];
    C --> E[Data Analysis: Fungal Growth Inhibition];
    D --> F[Disease Assessment];
    F --> G[Measurement of Morphological, Physiological, Biochemical Parameters];
    G --> H[Gene Expression Analysis PR-1];
    E --> I[Statistical Analysis];
    F --> I;
    G --> I;
    H --> I;
    I --> J[Conclusion];                    

Discussion

The study highlights the potential of green synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fungicides for managing Cercospora leaf spot in mung bean. The observed antifungal activity is attributed to the nanoparticles' ability to induce oxidative damage to fungal cells and enhance plant defense responses. The positive effects on plant growth parameters and gene expression further support their role in promoting plant health and resistance. The 50 mgL⁻¹ concentration proved more effective and less toxic than the 150 mgL⁻¹ concentration.

Key Findings

Green synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles inhibited fungal growth by 87.85% in vitro at 50 mgL⁻¹ and 57.5% at 150 mgL⁻¹.
In vivo, TiO2-NPs reduced disease incidence, with the lowest incidence observed in the resistant variety treated with 50 mgL⁻¹ TiO2-NPs.
TiO2-NPs application improved root length, shoot length, leaf surface area, chlorophyll content, and stomatal conductance, particularly at the 50 mgL⁻¹ concentration.
Biochemical analysis showed increased activity of SOD, POD, and CAT enzymes in plants treated with TiO2-NPs, indicating enhanced defense mechanisms.
TiO2-NPs upregulated the expression of the PR-1 gene, suggesting boosted plant immunity.

Conclusion

Green synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles are effective in inhibiting the growth of Cercospora canescens and enhancing the growth, immunity, and productivity of mung bean plants. This approach offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for managing CLS disease.

Fact Check

1. In vitro inhibition: 50 mgL⁻¹ TiO2-NPs inhibited fungal growth by 87.85% in vitro. (Confirmed in text)
2. Mung bean protein content: Mung bean contains higher amounts of proteins (18-25%). (Confirmed in text)
3. PR-1 gene: The study investigated the expression of the Pathogenesis-related (PR-1) gene. (Confirmed in text)

Mind Map