Maize contamination with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is of significance on a global scale due to its major contribution to food security. It is very probable that substantial amounts of AFB1 may be absorbed by germinating seeds grown in contaminated soil and cause deleterious effects on the growth and development of maize. In this study, the effect of green-synthesised ZnO-CuO hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) on antifungal activity and reducing the toxic effects of AFB1 on seed germination was examined. A notable inhibitory effect of green-synthesised ZnO-CuO nanoparticles (NPs) on A. flavus was observed at a concentration of 0.5 ppm, resulting in 13.1% inhibition, which was more effective than the higher concentration of 1.0 ppm and the control. The results showed that the final germination percentage of the seeds that were inoculated with 320 ppb was significantly increased by the treatment with 125 mg/mL of green ZnO-CuO hybrid NPs. This study indicated the potential of green-synthesised ZnO-CuO hybrid NPs as alternative antifungal agents to control aflatoxin production in maize to improve food security and safety by supressing the threat posed by AFB1.

Maize is susceptible to fungal infections that can lead to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination, and this could have dire consequences on plant growth and yield. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of AFB1 and the Aspergillus flavus fungus on root rhizospheric fungal population, maize seedling emergence, growth, and yield. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) experiment was conducted in two sites in 5 (AFB1/A. flavus spores’ treatments) × 3 replicates of 12 pots per experimental unit. This study showed that there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the colony forming unit (CFU) with the increase in A. flavus in the soil and a significant effect on reducing soil pH. It was observed that in all the maize that was exposed to AFB1 and A. flavus spores, there was a significant linear decrease in emergence percentage and speed of emergence with the increase in AFB1 and A. flavus spores in the soil, whereby the maize that was exposed to 320 ppb/kg of AFB1 also reported the lowest emergence percentage (51.4%), emergence rate index (5.0), and emergence speed (2.06). AFB1 also exerted a depressive effect on plant height and number of leaves, thus reducing the grain yield per plant. This study showed that A. flavus had a non-significant effect on growth and yield in maize when compared to AFB1.