Abstrakt: |
Crops can greatly benefit from the use of nanoparticles to suppress phytopathogens and promote plant growth. This work looks into the physiochemical changes that occur in wheat under biotic stress caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana, using myco-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) synthesized from Chlorophyllum molybditesmushroom. The myco-synthesized ZnO-NPs were characterized prior to its application. The average size of the nanoparticles produced was calculated to be 45 nm and the element content was determined by Energy dispersive X‑Ray (EDX) to be 52.7% Zn and 26.4% oxygen. ZnO-NPs were applied as a foliar spray on wheat plants (Pakistan-2013 variety) at concentrations of 20 mg/L, 30 mg/L, 40 mg/L, and 50 mg/L to reduce the impacts of B. sorokiniana. Among these, the 50 mg/L concentration of ZnO-NPs was most efficient in controlling the spot blotch severity and improving morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters, as well as antioxidant activity in wheat plants. The 50 mg/L significantly increased plant height (75.6 cm), shoot length (68.5 cm), leaf surface area (34.6 cm), shoot dry weight (0.2 g), and root dry weight (0.25 g) while the chlorophyll a (26.542), chlorophyll b (35.768 mg/g), total chlorophyll content (70.23), carotenoid content (5.21) and relative water content (80.55) in treated plant. The results also indicated that ZnO-NPs applied at a concentration of 50 mg/L significantly increased the proline content (415.2 mg/g), soluble sugar content (120.54) and protein content (350.76). The addition of 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs considerably improved the overall health and resistance of the wheat cultivar. This study reveals the significance of myco-mediated ZnO-NPs in increasing wheat resistance to B. sorokiniana, providing important insights for disease management in wheat and also promoting the growth parameters and metabolic aspects. |