A unique and profound effect of MgO and ZnO nanoparticles on some plant pathogenic fungi.

ABSTRACT

The antifungal activity of zinc oxide (ZnO) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles prepared by bio-safe method was evaluated for Alternaria alternate, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizopus stolonifer and Mucor plumbeus. It was observed from the study that all the nanoparticles at different concentrations brought about significant inhibition in the germination of spores of Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizopus stolonifer and Mucor plumbeus. However, the highest inhibition in the germination of all the test fungi was observed at higher concentrations followed by lower concentrations of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles of MgO at highest concentration was found most effective in reducing the spore germination followed by nanoparticles of ZnO at the same concentration.