Phyto-Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Box-Behnken Design and Its Anti-Alternaria Activity

Abstract

Alternaria alternata is a global fungal pathogen that causes symptoms such as leaf blight and seed rot resulting in economically significant yield losses in different varieties of crops. Green synthesis of nanoparticles is preferred over other methods of synthesis due to their safety, eco-friendly approach, and cost-effectiveness. Phyto-synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using seed extract of Abrus precatorious was optimized and characterized using the Box-Behnken design (BBD). Ag-NPs with a UVmax of 409.01 nm and a crystallite and particle size of 23.75 and 34.36 nm, respectively, were synthesized. In vitro anti-alternaria activity of Ag-NPs showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of the mycelia with a maximum inhibition of 54.61% at 200 ppm which was significantly different (p Alternaria alternata to reduce the environmental impact of synthetic fungicides.

Keywords

• <i>Alternaria alternata</i>
• <i>Abrus precatorious</i>
• box-behnken design
• phyto-synthesis
• silver nanoparticles