Phytofabricated silver nanoparticles unlock new potential in tomato plants by combating wilt infection and enhancing plant growth

The environment faces serious threats from climate change, food security challenges, and a growing population. The UN Global Goals emphasize the urgent need for sustainable agriculture to secure food production. We must adopt innovative solutions to bolster agroecological resilience and increase food output with minimal environmental impact. Here, we investigate the antimycotic properties of silver nanoparticles (PP-AgNPs) at various concentrations in controlling Fusarium wilt for tomato crop improvement under laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions. Various instruments were utilized to characterize the green-synthesized PP-AgNPs. The results indicated a broad UV peak at 428 nm and a spherical morphology with sizes ranging from 1 to 3.5 nm, as confirmed by SEM and TEM. Analyses indicate that the antifungal potency of PP-AgNPs (150 µg/mL) against Fusarium oxysporum was found to be 80.9% (Colony diameter: D_A) and 95.4% (Measured area -M_A), respectively, in contrast to the control treatment. Notably, the concentration of PP-AgNPs at 100 µg/mL signified the best effect under greenhouse and field trials, reducing disease severity by 34.5% (greenhouse) and 21.8% (Field: average of both years). PP-AgNPs also render other benefits, including improved plant growth parameters, fruit weight, number, and bioactive compounds. After exposure to PP-AgNPs, there was a significant increase in the expression of pathogenicity-related (PR), and defense genes at the molecular level. The physiological and molecular data are in-line induced antioxidative and defense responses after treatment with PP-AgNPs. Furthermore, the Ag content in various parts of tomato plants reveals no adverse effect on plant yield. Current research indicates that PP-AgNPs may be an effective and sustainable product for managing diseases and increasing crop yields in agriculture.