Evaluating the impact of biogenic nanoparticles and pesticide application in controlling Cotton Leaf Curl Virus Disease (CLCuD) in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Abstract

Background Cotton Leaf Curl Virus Disease (CLCuD) is one of the major concerns for cotton growers. The traditional approach to managing CLCuD involves the control of the vector (whitefly) population through the use of pesticides. In this study, the efficacy of nanoparticles was compared with pesticides. The present study was conducted to evaluate the comparative efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO nanoparticles), iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO nanoparticles), copper nanoparticles (Cu nanoparticles) and silver nanoparticles (Ag nanoparticles). Optimized doses of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO nanoparticles), iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO nanoparticles), copper nanoparticles (Cu nanoparticles) and silver nanoparticles (Ag nanoparticles) were applied in a field trial of cotton against Cotton Leaf Curl Virus Disease (CLCuD) in cotton. The study consisted of morphological parameters (height of stem, monopodial branches, sympodial branches, staple length, boll weight and number of bolls), yield parameters (seed cotton yield and ginning outturn), chlorophyll content (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids and total chlorophyll), biochemical parameters (superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and electrolyte leakage) and disease parameters (reduction infection, disease severity and disease incidence). Results Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCuV) was detected by TAS-ELISA (Triple Antibody Sandwich-Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Pesticide reduced the infection as 79.3%. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO nanoparticles), iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO nanoparticles), copper nanoparticles (Cu nanoparticles) and silver nanoparticles (Ag nanoparticles) reduced the infection as 42.33%, 41%, 34.7% and 44.8% respectively. The statistical design for field trial was randomized complete block design (RCBD). One-way ANOVA was performed. Conclusion Although treatment pesticide showed the least disease incidence compared to nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are eco-friendly and safe as compared to pesticides. It is concluded that nanocomposites and hybrid modes may be used for managing CLCuD efficiently in the future.