Nanotechnology in plant disease management: DNA-directed silver nanoparticles on graphene oxide as an antibacterial against Xanthomonas perforans

ACS Nano. 2013 Oct 22;7(10):8972-80. doi: 10.1021/nn4034794. Epub 2013 Sep 17.

Abstract

Bacterial spot caused by Xanthomonas perforans is a major disease of tomatoes, leading to reduction in production by 10-50%. While copper (Cu)-based bactericides have been used for disease management, most of the X. perforans strains isolated from tomatoes in Florida and other locations worldwide are Cu-resistant. We have developed DNA-directed silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) grown on graphene oxide (GO). These Ag@dsDNA@GO composites effectively decrease X. perforans cell viability in culture and on plants. At the very low concentration of 16 ppm of Ag@dsDNA@GO, composites show excellent antibacterial capability in culture with significant advantages in improved stability, enhanced antibacterial activity, and stronger adsorption properties. Application of Ag@dsDNA@GO at 100 ppm on tomato transplants in a greenhouse experiment significantly reduced the severity of bacterial spot disease compared to untreated plants, giving results similar to those of the current grower standard treatment, with no phytotoxicity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Graphite / chemistry
  • Graphite / pharmacology*
  • Metal Nanoparticles*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Nanotechnology*
  • Oxides / chemistry*
  • Plant Diseases / therapy*
  • Silver / chemistry*
  • Xanthomonas / drug effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Oxides
  • Silver
  • Graphite