Comparison between the effects of silver and titanium nanoparticles and their bulk counterparts on Meloidogyne...

Metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted great attention for their potential to control pathogens. This study assessed the effects of silver oxide (Ag₂O) NPs, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) NPs, and their bulk counterparts on soybean development and the control of Meloidogyne javanica. Additionally, the effect of different doses of TiO₂ NPs and bulk TiO₂ was determined. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted, each comprising two trials (repetitions). In Experiment 1, seed treatment with Ag₂O NPs had no effect on nematodes. By contrast, TiO₂ NPs provided a mean reduction in nematode population density (number of nematodes per gram of root) of 52.97% in both trials, whereas their bulk counterpart achieved a 36.33% reduction. Soybean development was not influenced by treatment. In Experiment 2, five doses of bulk TiO₂ and TiO₂ NPs were tested (0, 125, 250, 500, and 1000 mg L^-1). No effect was observed for particle size, but dose effects were significant. In Trial 1, seed treatment led to a linear reduction in nematode number. In Trial 2, a maximum reduction of 69.90% was estimated to be achieved with 581.21 mg L^-1 TiO₂. Treatment positively influenced shoot height and dry weight in at least one of the trials, with the maximum values estimated to be achieved with doses of 545 and 533.33 mg L^-1, respectively. It is concluded that Ag₂O NPs have no effect on M. javanica in soybean, whereas adequate doses of TiO₂ NPs contribute to parasite control and soybean growth.