Use of silver nanoparticles for managing Gibberella fujikuroi on rice seedlings
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2015 Elsevier Ltd. It is of great interest for rice producers to develop novel seed disinfection methods with effective, less toxic, and environment-friendly active ingredients. This study evaluated silver nanoparticles (AgNP) as an alternative agent for seed treatment since elemental silver possesses strong antimicrobial properties and a low toxicity to humans and animals. AgNP (~7.5nm in diameter) solution was chemically synthesized and evaluated for antifungal activity against Gibberella fujikuroi as representing a seedborne fungal pathogen in rice (Oryza sativa). AgNP reduced viability of G.fujikuroi conidia by 50% when directly exposed to concentrations ranging from 0.015 to 1.5gmL-1 for 1 to 20min. Rice seeds infested with G.fujikuroi and treated with 150gmL-1 of AgNP significantly decreased colony-forming units (CFU) of G.fujikuroi on the seed surface when treated for 10min and up to 24h. Seed treatment with 150gmL-1 AgNP for 12 or 24h significantly improved seedling emergence and height of G.fujikuroi-infested seeds. Adverse effects on germination rate and seedling growth were not observed with any of the AgNP treatments (150gmL-1 for up to 48-h exposure) tested in this study. The antifungal effect of AgNP against G.fujikuroi attested in this study suggests that AgNP is a new antifungal ingredient that can be used for managing important seedborne fungal pathogens of rice.