| Abstract |
The occurrence of antifungal resistance of fungal phytopathogens reduces the effectiveness of agricultural fungicides, thus causing severe damages to agriculture. Therefore, novel methods for alleviating the antifungal resistance and increasing fungicides′ efficiency are important topics for current disease control in agriculture. Nanotechnology could be a potential solution for novel methods. Nano zinc oxide has been reported with antimicrobial activity on phytopathogens and beneficial effects on plants. In our research, we obtained the multibranched flower-like zinc oxide particles through hydrothermal synthesis. Previous research on the particles has demonstrated their significant inhibition on plant fungal pathogens. Using scanning electron microscopy, we also confirmed that the particles cause mechanical damages on fungal cell surface. The physical damages on pathogens by the particles, which are different from chemical inhibition by fungicides, provide extra property for antimicrobials. Thus the particles may be used for controlling the phytopathogens with antifungal resistance. Therefore, this project aims to apply the multibranched flower-like zinc oxide particles with fungicides to control fungal phytopathogens. We will examine the antifungal effect of the combination of particles and fungicide on antifungal resistant pathogens. Moreover, the modes of actions will be uncovered to develop more effective fungicides or novel disease control methods in the future. |
