title: Application of silica nanoparticles in maize to enhance fungal resistance.
abstract: In this study, maize treated with nanosilica (20-40 nm) is screened for resistance against phytopathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus niger and compared with that of bulk silica. The resistivity is measured for disease index and expression of plant responsive compounds such as total phenols, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. The results indicate that nanosilica-treated plant shows a higher expression of phenolic compounds (2056 and 743 mg/ml) and a lower expression of stress-responsive enzymes against both the fungi. Maize expresses more resistance to Aspergillus spp., than Fusarium spp. These results show significantly higher resistance in maize treated with nanosilica than with bulk, especially at 10 and 15 kg/ha. In addition, hydrophobic potential and silica accumulation percentage of nanosilica treated maize (86.18° and 19.14%) are higher than bulk silica treatment. Hence, silica nanoparticles can be used as an alternative potent antifungal agent against phytopathogens.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Nano Science and Technology, K. S. Rangasamy College of Technology, Tiruchengode 637215, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Rangaraj
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Suriyaprabha
authors.affiliation: Centre for Nano Science and Technology, K. S. Rangasamy College of Technology, Tiruchengode 637215, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Gopalu
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Karunakaran
authors.affiliation: Centre for Nano Science and Technology, K. S. Rangasamy College of Technology, Tiruchengode 637215, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Kandiah
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kavitha
authors.affiliation: Centre for Nano Science and Technology, K. S. Rangasamy College of Technology, Tiruchengode 637215, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Rathinam
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Yuvakkumar
authors.affiliation: Centre for Nano Science and Technology, K. S. Rangasamy College of Technology, Tiruchengode 637215, Tamil Nadu, India. veerajendran@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Venkatachalam
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rajendran
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnology, K. S. Rangasamy College of Arts and Science, Tiruchengode 637215, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Narayanasamy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kannan
mesh_terms: D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001234:Aspergillus niger / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D060467:Disease Resistance / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D005670:Fusarium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010935:Plant Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003313:Zea mays / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D012822:Silicon Dioxide