Current status of nanotechnology application in management of the complex fungal pathogen Colletotrichum – a review

Shivakumar Gowda & Subbaraman Sriram

Sydowia 73: 45-60

Published online on September 25th, 2020

Nanotechnological approaches are rapidly progressing and have proven to be reliable in plant disease management owing to their high stability and biodegradability. Pathogens that cause disease in plants have been a matter of concern throughout the world. Synthetic chemicals such as fungicides are used in the effective management of phytopathogens. However, excessive use of pesticides has resulted in the development of resistance and in turn, increased the problems associated with residues, therefore there is a need for an alternative control strategy to overcome this barrier. To date green synthesis of nanomaterials from biological agents such as plants and microbes has become an important area of research because of its eco-friendly nature and lowcost synthesis. Application of nanomaterials for management of Colletotrichum spp. is relatively new and most of the studies are confined to the lab. Understanding their mechanism of action, the potential risk to the environment, and toxicity will surely make it a better alternative for conventional fungicides. The paper overviews the limitations of conventional vs current (nanotechnology) approaches in disease management strategies. In addition, the advantages of nanomaterial applications for effective management of a fungal plant pathogen of the genus Colletotrichum are explored.

Keywords: Nanotechnology, Green synthesis, Colletotrichum, Anthracnose, Metallic nanoparticle.

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