Synthesis and Characterisation of Silver Nanoparticles Using Withania somnifera and Antifungal Effect against Fusarium solani

In the present study, an attempt was being made to use Withania somnifera plant leaf extract for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles and establish the antifungal activity against plant pathogen Fusarium solani NVS671. Among different phytoextract concentration studied, 4% was found optimum for nanoparticles synthesis in combination with 100mM AgNO3. UV spectra analysis revealed peak at 420nm. The Transmission Electron Microscopy analysis provided further information about the morphological characteristics of the nanoparticles and confirmed that the particles were spherical with size in the range of 6.43-23.27 nm. Following TEM and spectrometry analysis, nanoparticles were amended into PDA media for the evaluation of their In vitro antifungal potential at concentrations of 25ppm, 50ppm, 100ppm and 250ppm was studied against F. solani NVS671. In all cases, Ag Nanoparticles exhibited higher inhibition of mycelial growth. In vivo analysis of silver nanoparticles against pathogenic fungus F. solani on sugarcane crop under greenhouse condition also sown promising results when evaluated plant growth and disease severity in comparison with control. It is concluded that W. somnifera leaf extract was found suitable for the green synthesis of AgNPs and suggested as an alternative and effective approach with antifungal potential which is eco-friendly and cost-effective for the control of pathogenic fungus like F. solani.