Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles using Trichoderma sp. and testing their efficacy in inhibiting the damping-off disease on three plants of the Solanaceae

Abstract

The study aims to provide environmentally friendly and safe alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides by preparing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using the filtrate of Trichoderma sp. The inhibitory efficacy of nanoparticles against the pathogenic fungus Fusarium sp. was evaluated in vitro, and their ability to reduce the severity of damping-off disease was assessed in three plant species (Tomato, Pepper, and Eggplant). The synthesis of the ZnO NPs was confirmed using a UV spectrophotometer, with peak absorption at 342 nm. The results showed a significant decrease in the growth of the phytopathogenic F. proliferatum with increasing concentration, reaching 90.45% inhibition at 1000 ppm, compared to the control treatment where the fungus grew to full size (9 cm). The use of the nanoparticles at a concentration of 1000 ppm significantly reduced the incidence of damping-off compared to the control treatment alone. The mortality rate in eggplant plants decreased to 10% (down from 40% when infected solely with the pathogen), in tomatoes to 15% (down from 30%), and in peppers to 40% (down from 70%). The use of the Trichoderma in the production of ZnO NPs is beneficial due to its dual effectiveness and its contribution to sustainable agriculture, aiming to reduce the harmful environmental impacts of chemical pesticides.