Tomato Disease Combat and Yield Optimization Using Selenium Nanoparticles: A Sustainable Nano-Agriculture Approach.

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Nanotechnology
• Plant Pathology

Background:

• Tomatoes are vital globally but face threats from pests like Tuta absoluta and pathogens.
• Synthetic pesticides used for control pose environmental and health risks.
• Sustainable alternatives are needed for effective tomato crop management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using citrus fruit peel essential oil.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial and pesticidal efficacy of SeNPs against tomato pathogens and pests.
• To assess the impact of SeNPs on tomato seed germination and seedling vigor.

Main Methods:

• SeNPs synthesized via hydro-distillation of citrus peel essential oil.
• Characterization using UV-visible spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
• Antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pesticidal assays performed; seed priming evaluated.

Main Results:

• SeNPs exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus niger, Pseudomonas syringae, and Xanthomonas campestris.
• Effective pesticidal activity demonstrated against Tuta absoluta.
• SeNPs treatment improved seed germination (94.8%), chlorophyll stability (84.6%), and membrane stabilization (94%), while reducing ion leakage.

Conclusions:

• Citrus peel-mediated SeNPs show potent antimicrobial and pesticidal properties.
• SeNPs enhance key seed germination and seedling vigor parameters in tomatoes.
• This study presents SeNPs as a promising eco-friendly solution for sustainable tomato crop protection and management.