Green synthesized silver nanoparticles for an effective control on soft rot disease pathogen Pectobacterium carotovorum and growth stimulation in pepper

Melisa Ayisigi, Alp Cokislerel, Yigit Kucukcobanoglu, Tansel Yalcin and Lale Yildiz Aktas

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the potential of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to control soft rot disease caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum (Pc) in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) leaf extract was used to synthesize silver nanoparticles. The green synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, zeta sizer-potential, inductively coupled plasmamass spectrometer (ICP-MS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS). Antimicrobial activity of green synthesized AgNPs against Pc was assessed; minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were recorded at 0.0625 and 0.125 mg mL-1, respectively. According to in vivo tests AgNPs had a protective role against the soft rot disease by limiting disease severity up to 15% on pepper seedlings. Additionally, growth measurements hinted that green synthesized AgNPs have phyto-stimulative effect on growth of pepper seedlings. In conclusion, green synthesized AgNPs possess an effective and non-toxic solution to control soft rot disease factor Pectobacterium carotovorum in pepper cultivation.

Keywords: green synthesis; growth stimulation; pepper, Pectobacterium carotovorum; plant protection; silver nanoparticle; soft rot

Date published: 2020-06-29