SILVER NANOPARTICLES AND RESISTANCE INDUCERS IN THE CONTROL OF BANANA ANTHRACNOSIS

Abstract

The search for techniques to control anthracnose (Colletotrichum musae) of lower toxicity to human health and environmental impact is essential for the development of a sustainable system in the banana production chain. Among these strategies, with great potential for use in agriculture and still lacking efficiency studies, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and resistance inducers stand out. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of AgNPs and resistance inducers in the control of post-harvest banana anthracnose. In in vitro experiment, the fungus was cultured in PDA culture medium added of different AgNP concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 ppm) and resistance inducers (Bacillus subtilis, acibenzolar-S-methyl and Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The variable analyzed was mycelial growth inhibition (%), while in the post-harvest experiment, banana fruits were immersed for three minutes using the same treatments as the in vitro study. In this case, incidence (% of fruits with lesions) and severity (% of epidermis covered by lesions) were evaluated. Colloidal silver concentration at 100 ppm, as well as the resistance of Bacillus subtilis and acibenzolar-S-methyl inducers were the most efficient treatments in the control of post-harvest banana anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum musae.