Eco-Friendly Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from a Soybean By-Product with Nematicidal Efficacy against Pratylenchus brachyurus

Abstract

This study explores an eco-friendly approach to synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using soybean leaf extracts, employing a reaction with silver nitrate at 65 °C for 2.5 h. Optimal results were achieved at extract concentrations of 3.12 and 6.25 mg of the leaf mL−1, termed 3.12AgNP and 6.25AgNP, respectively. UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis between 350 and 550 nm exhibited a peak at 410–430 nm, along with a color transition in the suspensions from pale yellow to brown, indicating successful synthesis. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) further delineated the favorable properties of these AgNPs, including nanometric dimensions (73–104 nm), negative charge, and moderate polydispersity, portraying stable and reproducible synthesis reactions. The bioreduction mechanism, possibly expedited by leaf extract constituents such as amino acids, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides, remains to be fully elucidated. Notably, this study underscored the potent nematicidal effectiveness of biosynthesized AgNPs, especially 6.25AgNP, against Pratylenchus brachyurus, which is a common plant-parasitic nematode in tropical soybean cultivation regions. In vitro tests illustrated significant nematicidal activity at concentrations above 25 µmol L−1, while in vivo experiments displayed a pronounced nematode population diminishment in plant roots, particularly with a 6.25AgNP rhizosphere application at concentrations of 500 µmol L−1 or twice at 250 µmol L−1, attaining a reproduction factor below 1 without any morphological nematode alterations. This research highlights the potential of 6.25AgNPs derived from soybean leaf extracts in forging sustainable nematicidal solutions, marking a significant stride toward eco-friendly phytonematode management in soybean cultivation. This novel methodology signals a promising avenue in harnessing botanical resources for nematode control and propelling a greener agricultural horizon.