Biological Activity of Ag and Cu Monometallic Nanoparticles and Ag-Cu Bimetallic Nanocomposites against Plant Pathogens and Seeds

Abstract

The antibacterial activities of silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) monometallic and bimetallic nanoparticles (MNPs and BNPs) against the most economically important and common plant bacterial diseases in Kyrgyzstan were tested, as well as their phytotoxic effects on wheat and corn seeds. To achieve this, a range of Ag and Cu MNPs and BNPs were synthesized using different methods and were tested at different concentrations to compare their biological effects. The antibacterial activities of Ag and Cu MNPs and Ag-Cu BNPs against the plant pathogenic bacteria Erwinia amylovora, Pseudomonas syringae, and Pectobacterium carotovorum were evaluated. Of the three pathogens, Ps. syringae was found to be the most sensitive to NPs. The antimicrobial activities of the tested NPs showed significant positive correlations with the concentration; hence, there was a dose-dependent effect. Due to their antibacterial properties, these Ag-Cu nanocomposites have high potential in plant protection applications.