Antifungal effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles against disease in durian caused by Phytophthora palmivora

S. Ritmontree, P. Kongtragoul
Durian (Durio zibethinus) is one of the most important economic fruit crops in Thailand with high international demand. However, this commercially important crop is affected by the fungus, Phytophthora palmivora which causes fruit, stem and root rot disease and significant economic losses. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have recently shown capability as an antimicrobial agent being biocompatible, economic, and having a low toxicity. Their potent ability can stimulate the production of excess reactive oxygen species, the release of zinc ions, and the induction of cell apoptosis. The objective of this study was to investigate the antifungal effect of ZnO-NPs, with 25-50 nm size range, at concentrations of 0, 500, 1000 and 2000 µg mL‑1 on growth inhibition of P. palmivora denominated as Phy001 and Phy002. A poisoned food technique with potato dextrose agar (PDA) was used in the study together with an investigation of the inhibition of infection on durian leaves. The results showed that ZnO-NPs at a concentration of 2,000 µg mL‑1 could significantly inhibit mycelial growth of Phy001 and Phy002 by 56.6 and 53.6%, respectively. Moreover, the nanoparticles could reduce the disease severity on durian leaves in both isolates by 50.5 and 43.7%, respectively. These results suggest that the use of ZnO-NPs could be a satisfactory and environmentally safe alternative to the current fungicides that are used to control durian disease caused by P. palmivora.
Ritmontree, S. and Kongtragoul, P. (2021). Antifungal effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles against disease in durian caused by Phytophthora palmivora. Acta Hortic. 1312, 423-430
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2021.1312.61
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2021.1312.61
zinc oxide nanoparticles, antifungal agent, Phytophthora palmivora, durian
English

Acta Horticulturae