ABSTRACT

The biocontrol approach to disease management has become popular as it is eco-friendly. Studies on how to increase the efficiency of biocontrol agents are necessary to obtain higher plant productivity. This study investigated the effect of ferric oxide nanoparticles (Fe₂O₃NPs) on the biocontrol potential of Penicilium chrysogenum against Apergillus niger. Agricultural soil samples were obtained from three different locations. Fungal isolates were obtained from the agricultural soil samples. The isolated fungi were purified and characterized using cultural and microscopy method. The identity of the fungal isolates was further confirmed using molecular characterization. Moringa oleifera leaf extract and ferric chloride precursor solution were used to biologically synthesized Fe₂O₃NPs. The ferric oxide nanoparticles were characterized by spectrophotometric analysis. Antagonistic dual culture method involving the biocontrol agent andphytopathogen was employed to assess the effect of biosynthesized Fe₂O₃NPs at various concentrations (2.5, 5, and 10%) supplemented in PDA. The control experiment was a set up involving both fungi cultured on PDA without nanoparticles. The results showed that species of Penicillium and Aspergillus were the fungi isolated from the agricultural soil samples. The molecular analysis revealed Pennicilium chrysogenum and Aspergillus niger as the biocontrol agent and phytopathogen, respectively. There was no significant difference in the biocontrol activity of Pennicilium chrysogenum cultured on Fe₂O₃NPs-supplemented medium and the non-supplemented medium (control). The findings of this study reveal that Fe₂O₃NPs do not enhance the biocontrol potential of Pennicillium  chrysogenum.