Antifungal activity of silver and copper nanoparticles on two plant pathogens, Alternaria alternata and Botrytis cinerea

In this study, we investigated the antifungal activity of silver (AgNPs), copper (CuNPs and silver/copper (Ag/CuNPs) nanoparticles against two plant pathogenic fungi Alternaria alternata and Botrytis cinerea., which have been responsible for the damage of a large number of plants. Metals nanoparticles were applied at various concentrations to determine antifungal activities in vitro. The application of 15 mg L-1 concentration of silver nanoparticles produced maximum inhibition of the growth of fungal hyphae. We also assessed the effectiveness of combining the silver and copper nanoparticles. Microscopic observation revealed that nanoparticles caused a damage effects on fungal hyphae and conidia. In addition to Ag-nanoparticles had a detrimental effect on sugar, protein, n-acetyl glucosamine and lipid of culture filtrate and cell wall components of both plant pathogens. © Academic Journals Inc.