Green-Synthesized Nanoparticles: A Sustainable Solution for Controlling Strawberry Gray Mold

Introduction:
Strawberries are among the most consumed berries globally, prized for their rich flavor and nutritional benefits. However, fungal infections, especially gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea, pose significant post-harvest challenges, leading to yield losses of up to 25%. Conventional chemical fungicides are widely used but have raised concerns due to their toxicity and resistance development in pathogens. A recent study explores the potential of green-synthesized zinc oxide, copper, and silver nanoparticles in combating this devastating disease. Visit https://www.plantsciencejournal.org/jpsp for more groundbreaking research in plant science.

The Role of Green-Synthesized Nanoparticles in Disease Control
Researchers from the University of Tehran investigated the antifungal properties of nanoparticles synthesized using an aqueous clove extract and probiotic Lactobacillus casei. Their study revealed:

• Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) from clove extract completely inhibited B. cinerea growth.
• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) reduced fungal spread by 81%.
• Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) demonstrated moderate antifungal activity.
• None of the nanoparticles exhibited significant toxicity to beneficial L. casei bacteria.

How Do These Nanoparticles Work?
Nanoparticles disrupt fungal growth through multiple mechanisms:

• Membrane Disruption: ZnONPs interact with fungal cell membranes, causing structural damage.
• Oxidative Stress Induction: Nanoparticles generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that lead to fungal cell apoptosis.
• Biofilm Inhibition: AgNPs prevent the formation of protective fungal biofilms.

Scientific Backing and External References
According to the American Phytopathological Society, biocontrol strategies incorporating nanoparticles are gaining traction due to their environmental safety and efficiency. Additionally, the FAO emphasizes the importance of sustainable plant disease management to reduce chemical pesticide dependency.

Further Reading and Resources :

• Read the full study at https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.jpsp.1001106.
• Related studies on sustainable plant protection can be found on https://www.plantsciencejournal.org/jpsp.
• A comprehensive analysis of nanoparticle applications in agriculture is available in our main journal article here.

Practical Implications and Future Research
These findings suggest that green-synthesized nanoparticles could be a viable alternative to chemical fungicides. Further studies on chronic toxicity and large-scale field applications are necessary to ensure their commercial feasibility.

Call-to-Action
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Disclaimer:
This content is generated using AI assistance and should be reviewed for accuracy and compliance before considering it as a reference. Any grievances arising from reusing this material will not be handled by the author of this article.

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