Antifungal Effect of Copper Nanoparticles against , an Obligate Symbiont of Ambrosia Beetle.

Copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) have shown great antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi, making them a promising and affordable alternative to conventional fungicides. In this study, we evaluated the antifungal activity of Cu-NPs against , the causal agent of dieback, and this might be the first study to do so. The Cu-NPs (at different concentrations) inhibited more than 80% of growth and were even more efficient than a commercial fungicide used as a positive control (cupric hydroxide).

Phytotoxicity and upper localization of Ag@CoFeO nanoparticles in wheat plants.

Environmental concern related to Ag release from conventional AgNPs is expected to be prevented once contained into a magnetic core like magnetite or CoFeO. Accordingly, we obtained CoFeO NPs by microwave-assisted synthesis, which AgNO addition rendered Ag@CoFeO NPs. NPs were characterized, and before exploring potential applications, we carried out 7-day wheat toxicity assays.