NEHA SALARIA, KAJAL THAKUR, SARVJEET KUKREJA1, BALJEET SINGH AND UMESH GOUTAM*
School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara-144 411 (Punjab), India
*(e-mail : umeshbiotech@gmail.com; Mobile : 90413-29877)
ABSTRACT
Crops get exposed to various biotic and abiotic stresses which affect both its yield and quality and hamper the economy.Crop lossescaused by biotic agents i. e. phytopathogens (bacteria, fungi, insects, etc.) have decreased the worldwide crop production. The different conventional approaches have been used to combat phytopathogens. The need for novel and innovative plant disease control methods has led to the development of nanoparticles against pathogens. In recent past, nanotechnology has emerged as the alternative solution to disease management in plants. As on date, various chemical and physical methods as well as use of biological agents have been used to design nanoparticles to control phytopathogens. Green synthesis of nanoparticles via microbes (bacteria, fungi, algae and yeast) and plants provides the eco-friendly, nontoxic, economic, and efficient approach. The efficacy of biosynthesized nanoparticles against various important phytopathogens has been well studied. The use of nanoparticles is not only limited to providing protection against pathogens,
but are also being used as biosensors and biofertilizers. This review is based on the plant-mediated green synthesis of nanoparticles and their promising role in crop protection and agriculture.
Key words : Phytopathogens, nanoparticles, green synthesis, antimicrobial activity, disease management