Antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using leaf extract of Brassica juncea against plant pathogens

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles have broad spectrum and highly effective antimicrobial properties. One of the potential applications in which silver nanoparticles can be utilized is in the management of plant diseases. Biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles using plants is gaining importance. In the present study, the potential of Brassica juncea for biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles was explored. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using different concentrations 10 to 50% (v/v) leaf extract to obtain most effective nanoparticles with maximum inhibition of microbial growth. Antifungal effects of 50 ppm and 100 ppm silver nanoparticles synthesized with different concentrations of plant extract were evaluated against Fusarium oxysporum and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides using agar block method. Inhibitory effect of silver nanoparticles on bacteria was tested using Bacillus and Enterobacter strains. Silver nanoparticles at 100 ppm concentration biosynthesized using 20% (v/v) leaf extract of Brassica juncea were found to be most effective against fungi and bacteria.