Nanoparticles From Microbes: the Next Generation Tool for Combatting Plant Diseases

Abstract

Microbe-synthesized NanoParticles (MNPs) show great potential for controlling plant diseases, offering advantages over chemical pesticides. MNPs possess unique physical and chemical properties, leading to higher efficacy, lower toxicity, and environmental safety. They can be produced using cost-effective and eco-friendly methods, making them a viable alternative. MNPs exhibit diverse mechanisms of action, including antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. They can penetrate pathogen cell walls, disrupting their normal processes and causing death or reduced virulence. Additionally, MNPs can activate plant defence mechanisms, enhancing resistance to infections. This chapter provides an overview of MNPs’ applications in plant disease management, exploring microorganisms involved in nanoparticle synthesis and the underlying mechanisms. MNPs offer advantages like cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and specificity in synthesis. However, challenges remain, such as understanding long-term environmental and human health effects, regulatory and economic barriers, and developing efficient delivery systems. Despite these challenges, MNPs have the potential to transform agriculture and promote sustainable practices. Further research is needed to address limitations and overcome barriers. MNPs could become a versatile, environmentally friendly alternative in various fields. With continued progress, they offer a promising solution for plant disease control, fostering sustainable and effective approaches. © 2025 Irshad Mahmood, Rizwan Ali Ansari and Rose Rizvi.