It is urgent to develop highly efficient and eco-friendly antimicrobial agents for integrated control of phytopathogens. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by Ligustrum lucidum leaf extract. UV-vis spectrum showed that there was a strong absorbance at 438 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images displayed that synthesized nanoparticles were near spherical with an average size of 13 nm. The antimicrobial effect of AgNPs was evaluated through methods of paper disk diffusion, colony growth, conidia germination, and in vitro inoculation. The 50% inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) of AgNPs against Setosphaeria turcica was 170.20 μg/mL calculated by SPSS 13.0. In addition, it displayed a significant synergistic antifungal effect when AgNPs were combined with epoxiconazole at the ratios of 8 : 2 and 9 : 1. The results of this study provide a novel fungistat not only for comprehensive control of plant fungi but also for reducing chemical pesticides use and avoiding drug-resistant phytopathogen generation.

Copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles were synthesised from Ginkgo biloba L. leaf extract and several parameters that affected their formation were adjusted. The optimal synthesis system was ascertained as 10 ml leaf filtrate, 1 mM copper sulfate, and 80°C. The scanning electron microscope image showed that the synthesised CuO nanoparticles were shaped like a short rod. The antifungal effect of CuO nanoparticles against Bipolaris maydis was operated through agar well diffusion, mycelial growth, spore germination, and detached inoculation. At the concentration of 200 µg/ml, the suppression rate was up to 62.78%, and the spore germination was totally inhibited irrespective of suspension in a liquid or on detached maize leaf. The results are of great significance for comprehensive control of plant diseases, and it also provides a novel antimicrobial to assist or substitute chemical pesticides.

In the present study, Bipolaris maydis was used to synthesise silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Several parameters that influence the synthesis of AgNPs such as fungus age, the concentration of Ag nitrate (AgNO ₃ ), and incubation time were explored to find the optimum synthesis condition. Furthermore, the antifungal activity of AgNPs against Exserohilum turcicum was determined by measuring inhibition zone diameter, colony formation, and conidia germination. The optimal biosynthesis system included fungus age of 7 days, 8 mM AgNO ₃ , and an incubation time of 120 h. Under these conditions, synthesised NPs were near round, and the average particle size was about 21 nm. At the experiment, the diameter of the inhibition zone reached a maximum of 8 mM AgNO ₃ and 72 h. In addition, the inhibition rate of colony and conidia reached 83.39 and 100%, respectively, with 200 μg/ml AgNPs. The results offer a novel pathway for phytopathogen control and make it likely to develop new eco‐friendly antimicrobial.

Cinnamomum camphora fruit extract was used to biosynthesise silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and the optimised synthesis system was ascertained through solution colour change and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectra. It contained 20 ml of fruit extract, 4 mM Ag nitrate, and pH 7. AgNPs obtained based on such conditions were spherical and finely dispersed, with an average size of 20.3 nm. As‐synthesised AgNPs exhibited excellent antifungal effect against Fusarium oxysporum . At a dose of 400 μg/ml of AgNPs, the inhibition rate of colony growth reached 61.00% and an IC ₅₀ value of 154.39 μg/ml. In addition, the conidia germination was totally inhibited at 100 μg/ml of AgNPs. Results of this study provide a new approach for biological control of plant pathogenic fungi, and it makes that possible for developing a brand new fungistat.

Difenoconazole-loaded (CS-DIF) microcapsules were synthesized by encapsulating difenoconazole into biocompatible chitosan. The physical and chemical properties indicated that the encapsulation and chemical loading rates were 85.58% and 61.98%, respectively. The microcapsules exhibited prominent controlled-release and surface stability performance. The cumulative release rate was only 33.6% in 168 h, and the contact angle decreased by 11.73° at 120 s compared with difenoconazole. The antifungal activity of the CS-DIF microcapsules against Curvularia lunata was confirmed through observations of colony growth, in vitro and in vivo inoculation, mycelium morphology, as well as DNA and protein leakage. The antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase decreased by 65.1%, 84.9%, and 69.7%, respectively, when Curvularia lunata was treated with 200 μg/mL microcapsules, compared with the control in 24 h. The enzymatic activity of polyphenol oxidase decreased by 323.8%. The reactive oxygen species contents of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anions increased by 204.6% and 164%, respectively. Additionally, the soluble sugar and soluble protein contents decreased by 65.5% and 69.6%, respectively. These findings provided a novel approach to control the growth of C. lunata efficiently, laying a foundation for reducing the quantity and enhancing the efficiency of chemical pesticides. The CS-DIF microcapsules exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on fungus, effectively preventing and controlling leaf spot disease and showing potential for field applications. This study might be of great significance in ensuring plant protection strategies.

Synergistic antifungal activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles combined with mancozeb against Botryosphaeria dothidea was carried out. Indexes of colony growth, colony formation, and inhibition zone were measured to reveal their antifungal effect. The results showed that silver nanoparticles synthesized by llexchinensis Sims leaf were near spherical with the average size of 14 nm. The inhibition rate and diameter of inhibition zone reached 81.9% and 12.6 ± 1.25 mm when the concentration of silver nanoparticles was 200 μg/mL. In addition, distinct synergistic antifungal activity was detected when silver nanoparticles were combined with mancozeb at the volume ratios of 1:9 and 8:2, and the toxic ratio was 1.32 and 1.14, respectively. As one kind of non-antibiotic bacteriostatic substances, silver nanoparticles would be substitute or supplement with fungicide to resolve pesticide residue and pathogen resistance that plagued agricultural for a long time.