August 14, 20250 citations

Silver nanoparticles enhance chilli resistance against Colletotrichum capsici through dual antifungal and immunity-inducing mechanisms.

GMGhulam Muhae‐Ud‐Din MJMuhammad Jabran RARimsha Abid

Key Points

Silver nanoparticles exhibit antifungal activity against Colletotrichum capsici, reducing disease in chilli plants by 40%.
AgNPs-treated chilli plants show elevated defense gene expression and increased levels of key biomolecules, improving immunity.
The treatment of chilli plants with AgNPs leads to significant morphological improvements under biotic stress conditions.
Research underscores the potential of nanotechnology for sustainable agriculture, offering a solution to conventional pesticide use.

Abstract

Conventional pesticides pollute the environment by contaminating water reservoirs with harmful residues. This study investigated the potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to treat Colletotrichum capsici-induced anthracnose disease in chilli plants. By leveraging the unique chemical and physical characteristics of AgNPs, we evaluated their antifungal efficacy and their roles in boosting plant immunity. AgNPs-treated plants exhibited increased expression of defense-related genes and elevated levels of flavonoids, phenolics, defense enzymes, and biomolecules, along with improved callose deposition and membrane permeability, which provided enhanced cellular protection. Morphological and physiological analyses indicated superior growth under biotic stress, with higher concentrations of minerals, glycine betaine, and free amino acids in AgNPs-treated plants. Confocal microscopy revealed the absence of fungal hyphae in the AgNPs-treated samples in contrast to the pathogen-inoculated group. The AgNPs synthesized in this study had spherical structures with mean dimensions of 15-20 nm, as confirmed by TEM and SEM imaging. Growth inhibition of C. capsici was concentration-dependent, with 75-90 μg/mL of AgNPs showing significant colony size reduction. Additionally, AgNPs treatment reduced disease index by 40% compared to 79% in untreated controls. Enhanced mycelial cell membrane permeability and elevated expression of defense genes such as CaPDF 1.2, and CaPR-5 were also observed. These results emphasize the potential of AgNPs as a sustainable substitute for conventional pesticides, improving chilli plant immunity and nutrients, while mitigating anthracnose disease. This study highlights the importance of nanotechnology in sustainable agriculture and offers a promising approach for future crop protection and food security. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

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