<i>Exserohilum rostratum</i>-Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: A Case Study on Their Bioherbicidal Activity Against <i>Leptochloa chinensis</i> (L.) Nees

The interdisciplinary progress in nanotechnology has yielded environmentally friendly and cost-effective strategies to enhance bioherbicidal efficacy. This study presents the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (M-AgNPs) using the fungus <i>Exserohilum rostratum</i>, specifically target...

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Main Authors: Ashrit Gulfraz, Yuquan Yuan, Qing Bu, Muhammad Shafiq, Zhiqiu Huang, Mingwei Li, Zhaoxia Dong, Jing An, Yong Chen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-11-01
Series:Agronomy
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/14/12/2784
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Summary:The interdisciplinary progress in nanotechnology has yielded environmentally friendly and cost-effective strategies to enhance bioherbicidal efficacy. This study presents the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (M-AgNPs) using the fungus <i>Exserohilum rostratum</i>, specifically targeting the <i>Leptochloa chinensis</i> weed in paddy fields. The M-AgNPs were characterized with an aqueous solution size of 107.9 nm and a zeta potential of −24.0 ± 0.20 mV, and their properties were analyzed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The application of M-AgNP suspension at different concentrations of 70 µg∙mL<sup>−1</sup>, 80 µg∙mL<sup>−1</sup>, and 100 µg∙mL<sup>−1</sup> to <i>L. chinensis</i> at the 3–4 leaf stage resulted in significant herbicidal effects. These nanoparticles induced oxidative stress and significantly reduced the activities of peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase in the weed seedlings. Meanwhile, M-AgNP treatments significantly increased the activity of cell wall-degrading enzymes, including polygalacturonase and cellulase, in <i>L. chinensis</i> leaves and caused organelle damage in plant leaf cells. Safety assessments showed no significant impact on rice growth after treatment with M-AgNP<sub>3</sub> (100 µg∙mL<sup>−1</sup>) suspension. Our results suggest that M-AgNPs represent a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to weed control that is compatible with rice cultivation, thus supporting the adoption of green agricultural practices.
ISSN:2073-4395