Green fabrication of titanium dioxide nanoparticles via Syzygium cumini leaves extract: characterizations, photocatalytic activity and nematicidal evaluation

ABSTRACT

The most significant plant parasitic nematode in terms of economic impact is root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita), which severely harms essential crops used for agriculture. This study investigated green fabrication of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) utilizing Syzygium cumini (SC) leaf extract and evaluated its nematotoxic activity against M. incognita in vitro and in pots. During experiments, second-stage juveniles (J2s) and egg masses of M. incognita were treated with different concentrations (125, 250, 375 and 500 ppm) of SC-TiO₂ NPs. After 48 h and five days of exposure, respectively, lowest J2s mortality and per cent inhibition in egg hatching was discovered at 125 ppm, and highest J2s mortality and maximum per cent inhibition in egg hatching determined at 500 ppm. The treatment of SC TiO₂ NPs considerably reduced M. incognita infection and enhanced carrot plants' growth and physiological characteristics. The characterization of green synthesized SC-TiO₂ NPs made by X-ray diffraction, Photoluminescence, FTIR, SEM, UV-Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectrophotometer, TEM, and photocatalytic activity also examined. In conclusion, it can be said that SC-TiO₂ NPs possess nematode-toxic potential against M. incognita and are used as substitutes for high-risk chemical nematicides without causing any phytotoxicity.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Nano-materials
• botanicals
• green synthesis
• sustainable management
• plant parasitic nematodes

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Researchers Supporting Project Number (RSP2024R356), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, (COE, BT/PR1-3584/COE/34/29/2015), Interdisciplinary Nanotechnology Centre, Aligarh Muslim University.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Author contributions

Amir Khan, Azam Raza and Absar Ahmad: Conceptualization conceived and designed experiments and drafted manuscript. Amir Khan and Azam Raza: Responsible for software analysis. Amir Khan, Azam Raza, Faheem Ahmad and Absar Ahmad: Responsible for visualization. Amir Khan, Azam Raza, Abeer Hashem, Graciela Dolores Avila-Quezada, Elsayed Fathi Abd_Allah, Faheem Ahmad and Absar Ahmad: Critically revised the manuscript. Elsayed Fathi Abd_Allah: Funding. All authors read and agreed to publish version of manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Researchers Supporting Project Number (RSP2024R356), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.