Carbon Nanotubes Decrease the Negative Impact of Alternaria solani in Tomato Crop
Yolanda González-García1, Gregorio Cadenas-Pliego2, Ángel Gabriel Alpuche-Solís3
1Doctorado en Ciencias en Agricultura Protegida, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Saltillo 25315, Coahuila, Mexico.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 30, 2021
Summary
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) effectively combat tomato diseases like Alternaria solani, reducing crop damage. This application also boosts tomato yield and plant health by enhancing the antioxidant system and photosynthesis.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Pathology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Tomato production is significantly limited by diseases such as stem and fruit rot and leaf blight, primarily caused by Alternaria solani.
- Alternaria solani infection leads to severe damage and substantial yield losses in tomato crops, necessitating effective control strategies.
- Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibit potent antimicrobial properties and can activate plant antioxidant defense systems, presenting a potential alternative for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in controlling Alternaria solani incidence and severity in tomato crops.
- To assess the impact of CNTs on the antioxidant defense system and photosynthetic capacity of tomato plants.
- To determine the effect of CNTs on tomato fruit yield and biomass.
Main Methods:
- Application of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to tomato crops.
- Assessment of Alternaria solani incidence and severity.
- Measurement of antioxidant system components (ascorbic acid, flavonoids, glutathione peroxidase activity).
- Evaluation of photosynthetic parameters (net photosynthesis, water use efficiency) and dry shoot biomass.
Main Results:
- CNTs application significantly decreased the incidence and severity of Alternaria solani in tomato plants.
- Fruit yield and dry shoot biomass of tomato crops were increased following CNTs application.
- The antioxidant system was enhanced, evidenced by increased ascorbic acid and flavonoid content, and elevated glutathione peroxidase activity.
- Net photosynthesis and water use efficiency were improved in tomato plants treated with CNTs.
Conclusions:
- Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) demonstrate significant potential as an effective strategy for managing Alternaria solani in tomato crops.
- CNTs not only control the pathogen but also enhance the plant's physiological functions, including its antioxidant defense and photosynthetic capacity.
- The application of CNTs offers a promising approach to mitigate yield losses and improve the overall health and productivity of tomato plants.
