Incorporation of zinc sulfide nanoparticles, Acinetobacter pittii and Bacillus velezensis to improve tomato plant growth, biochemical attributes and resistance against Rhizoctoniasolani.

Green nanobiotechnology and beneficial bacterial strains as biofertilizers are crucial in agriculture to achieve food security. Both these strategies have been individually studied in improving plant resistance against phytopathogens along with enhancing plant productivity. Therefore, objective of this study was to explore the eco-friendly and cost-effective approach of utilizing plant growth promoting and disease suppressing bacterial strains and nanoparticles, individually as well as in combination, as bio-stimulants to improve plant growth, antioxidant defense system, nutrition and yield of tomato.