GREEN SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES (AgNPs) USING HELVELLA LEUCOPUS PERS. AND THEIR ANTIMYCOTIC ACTIVITY AGAINST FUNGI CAUSING FUNGAL ROT OF APPLE

Objectives: The main objective of the present study was to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by green approach using Helvella leucopus and to evaluate the antimycotic activity of synthesized AgNPs against fungi causing fungal rot of apple. Methods: During the present study for green synthesis of AgNPs using H. leucopus, equal volumes of both mushroom extract (100 ml) and silver nitrate solution (100 ml) were mixed and incubated at room temperature for the bioreduction process. These synthesized AgNPs were characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Furthermore, these synthesized AgNPs were evaluated for their antimycotic activity by spore germination method and agar well diffusion assay against different tested fungi. Results: The results revealed that strong plasmon absorbance band was observed at 420 nm which confirms the synthesis of AgNPs using H. leucopus. The synthesized AgNPs were spherical in aggregated form with size ranging from 80 to 100 nm. Furthermore, different concentrations of synthesized AgNPs caused significant inhibition in spore germination and reduction in zone of inhibition of tested fungal pathogens. The highest inhibition in spore germination by AgNPs at highest concentrations was observed against Penicillium chrysogenum followed by Aspergillus niger and Alternaria alternata, respectively. Similarly, the synthesized AgNPs at highest concentrations showed maximum zone of inhibition against P. chrysogenum followed by A. niger and A. alternata, respectively. Conclusion: It is concluded from the present study that synthesized AgNPs have good potential to be used as antifungal agents against many fungal plant pathogens. The synthesized AgNPs using mushroom fungi also have potential for the development of nanofungicides against fungal pathogens but after proper investigation.