Mitigating Chili Plant Wilt: Synergy of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Silver Nanoparticles

Background/Objective. The chilaca pepper (Capsicum annuum) is significantly impacted by the attack of the oomycete Phytophthora capsici, which causes chili wilt. Current methods for controlling this disease have been inefficient. Therefore, the search for more environmentally friendly alternatives is of great importance. In pursuit of this objective, we assessed the potential of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to try to reduce or postpone chili pepper wilt. Materials and Methods. Growth parameters were measured in inoculated and non-inoculated chili pepper plants with AMF from a commercil consortium TM-73 (Biotecnología Microbiana) and the protective effects of AMF and AgNPs (NanoID®) against P. capsici as evaluated using a severity scale for wilt symptoms. Plant response to pathogen infection was assessed by measuring the activities of antioxidant enzymes: PER, SOD, CAT and H2O2. Results. The results indicated that AMF application improved the growth parameters of C. annuum, while the plant-pathogen interaction induced an antioxidant enzymatic response. AMF maintained wilt symptoms at or below 80%, preventing plant death. Meanwhile, AgNPs (50ppm) delayed plant mortality compared to the control treatment. Conclusion. The combined use of AMF and AgNPs offer options for future research in the disease management for chili peppers.