Nano-pesticidal potential of (L.) leaf synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag@L-NPs): Deciphering the phytopathogenic inhibition and growth augmentation in (L.).

Plant-based synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) has emerged as a potential alternative to traditional chemical synthesis methods. In this context, the aim of the present study was to synthesize Ag-NPs from (L.) leaf extract and to evaluate their nano-pesticidal potential against major phyto-pathogens of tomato. From the data, it was found that particle size of spherical leaf synthesized (Ag@L-NPs) varied from 10 to 20 nm, with the average diameter of 16 nm. Ag@L-NPs were validated and characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy (surface resonance peak λ = 430 nm), energy dispersive spectrophotometer (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), and electron microscopy; scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The FTIR spectra verified the participation of various living molecules (aromatic/aliphatic moieties and proteins) in synthesized Ag@L-NPs. The anti-phytopathogenic potential of Ag@L-NPs was assessed under conditions. Increasing doses of Ag@L-NPs exhibited an inhibitory effect against bacterial pathogen and 400 μg Ag@L-NPs ml caused a reduction in cellular viability, altered bacterial morphology, and caused cellular death Furthermore, Ag@L-NPs reduced exopolysaccharides (EPS) production and biofilm formation by Additionally, Ag@L-NPs showed pronounced antifungal activity against major fungal pathogens. At 400 μg Ag@L-NPs ml, sensitivity of tested fungi followed the order: (76%) > (65%) > (39%). Furthermore, 400 μg Ag@L-NPs ml inhibited the egg-hatching and increased larval mortality of by 82 and 65%, respectively, over control. Moreover, pot studies were performed to assess the efficacy of Ag@L-NPs to phyto-pathogens using tomato ( L.) as a model crop. The applied phyto-pathogens suppressed the biological, physiological, and oxidative-stress responsiveness of tomatoes. However, 100 mg Ag@L-NPs kg improved overall performance and dramatically increased the root length, dry biomass, total chlorophyll, carotenoid, peroxidase (POD), and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity over pathogens-challenged tomatoes. This study is anticipated to serve as an essential indication for synthesis of efficient nano-control agents, which would aid in the management of fatal phyto-pathogens causing significant losses to agricultural productivity. Overall, our findings imply that Ag@L-NPs as nano-pesticides might be used in green agriculture to manage the diseases and promote plant health in a sustainable way.