Synthesis and investigation of nano-biologic structures’ effect on soil pathogenic fungi in maize

Maize soil pathogenic fungi, Fusarium moniliforme, Macrophomina phaseolina, and Rhizoctonia zeae are important causes of annual economic losses worldwide. Since there are no maize cultivars with complete resistance to soil-borne fungal pathogens. This study aims to produce highly effective Nano-formulations of Peganum harmala and Ailanthus altissima plant extracts to control maize soil fungi. The GC-MS, DLS, Zeta, TEM, SEM, FTIR, disease symptoms, fresh and dry weights, Catalase, and Peroxidase enzymes were measured under in-vitro and in-vivo conditions. Harmine and Quercetin were the most common compounds in the extracts. The obtained results showed that the particles were spherical and encapsulated on a nanoscale. The in-vitro results showed that the best treatment for the F. moniliforme, M. phaseolina, and R. zeae fungi was P. harmala Nanoemulsion at 20 % concentration with 78.7 % inhibition. Maize seed priming with 20 % P. harmala Nanoemulsion showed the highest fresh and dry weights of 75.2 and 25.2 g, respectively, with minimal disease symptoms. The highest activity of Catalase and Peroxidase, 6.2 and 2.4 U mg protein−1 min−1, respectively. •Two plant extracts were encapsulated in Nanoemulsion.•The high-energy method was used to prepare Nanoemulsion.•DLS/Zeta, TEM image, and FTIR were used to characterize Nanoparticles.•Antifungal activity of Nanoemulsions was investigated in petri and greenhouse.•Disease symptoms were investigated by Catalase and Peroxidase in greenhouse.