Graphene-Cu Nanocomposites Induce Tolerance against Fusarium oxysporum, Increase Antioxidant Activity, and Decrease...

Area of Science:

• Plant Pathology
• Nanotechnology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Tomato crops face significant losses from Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol).
• Graphene-Cu nanocomposites show antimicrobial properties and can activate plant antioxidant systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Graphene-Cu nanocomposites in managing Fusarium wilt in tomatoes.
• To assess the impact on the plant's antioxidant defense system, water potential, and photosystem II efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Tomato plants were inoculated with Fol and treated with Graphene-Cu nanocomposites.
• Evaluated disease incidence and severity.
• Measured photosynthetic pigments, fruit production, antioxidant compounds (glutathione, flavonoids, anthocyanins), enzyme activity (GPX, PAL, CAT), foliar water potential, and photosystem II efficiency (Fv/Fm).

Main Results:

• Graphene-Cu nanocomposites delayed Fusarium wilt incidence and reduced severity by 29.0%.
• Treated plants showed increased photosynthetic pigments, fruit production, and enhanced antioxidant system activity.
• Improved plant response to biotic stress, with reduced water potential (31.7%) and Fv/Fm levels (32.0%) compared to untreated Fol-inoculated plants.

Conclusions:

• Graphene-Cu nanocomposites are a promising strategy for controlling Fusarium wilt in tomatoes.
• The treatment enhances plant resilience by improving antioxidant defenses and physiological parameters.
• This approach contributes to sustainable agriculture by mitigating crop losses and improving yield.