Silver Nano Chito Oligomer Hybrid Solution for the Treatment of Citrus Greening Disease (CGD) and Biostimulants in Citrus Horticulture

Citrus greening disease (CGD), or Huanglongbing (HLB), is principal in Citrus farming because of its severe damage, decreased yield, poor quality of fruit, and frequent disappearance before harvest. Present research blended silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) colloid with chitooligomers and monomers (COAMs) to create the composites referred to as a “hybrid solution”. The hybrid solution has been synthesized for antimicrobial effects and plant growth stimulation. The hybrid solution was applied to cure the CGD, which was then tested using the results of the iodine test kit. Study results revealed that the mechanism for antibacterial properties is efficient and leads to cell death by silver ions (positive charge) attached to the cell wall of pathogens (negative charge). COAMs increase AgNPs’ ability to adhere to negatively charged bacterial cytoplasmic membranes and amplify their electrostatic interaction. There are synergistic antibacterial effects of AgNPs–COAMs. The findings reveal a notable increase in the shoot length of leaves which may be the reason for the growth stimulation function of the hybrid solution due to the properties of COAMs as a biostimulant. The hybrid solution-treated trees yielded around 104.50 ± 4.56 kg of fruits by the trunk or foliar application. Citrus fruits did not show the presence of any silver residues, as displayed by the results of the accumulation test. Compared to conventional ampicillin, the hybrid treatment of CGD was significantly more cost-effective, increased productivity, and had minor accumulation. The acquired results may also be applied to further plant disease treatment.