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ABSTRACT
Nanoparticles are generally defined as particulate matter with at least one dimension that is less than 100 nm. The aim of this study was to investigate the antifungal activities of phytosynthesized magnesium oxide and magnesium chloride nanoparticle against pathogens isolated from diseased cassava. Synergistic study using the test nanoparticles against the isolated pathogens was also carried out. Magnesium oxide and magnesium chloride nanoparticles were synthesize using Moringa oleifera leaf extract. Characterization of the biosynthesized nanoparticles was carried out using UV- VIS spectrophotometer. In order to determine the antifungal activities of the biosynthesized nanoparticles, fungal pathogens were isolated from diseased cassava using direct plating method. Different concentrations (25, 50, 75 and 100%) of biosynthesized magnesium oxide and magnesium chloride nanoparticles were prepared and the antifungal testing was carried out using the agar well diffusion method. Ketoconazole was used as a positive control. The antifungal activity of different combinations of the test nanoparticles was also carried for the synergistic study. The isolated fungal pathogens were identified to be Aspergillus sp. and Mycosphaerella sp. The results obtained from this study shows that the test nanoparticles significantly inhibited the growth of the pathogens. Zones of inhibition of 1.17±0.08 and 1.77a±0.07 were obtained by 75% MgCL2 nanoparticles treatment against Aspergillus sp. and Mycosphaerella sp. respectively. Negligible synergism was observed from the different combinations of the test nanoparticles against the test pathogens. Further study should be carried out to optimize different combinations of the test nanoparticles for enhanced activity. The mode of action of the nanoparticles should be investigated.
