As the global population continues to grow it will be essential to make innovations in agriculture to provide a sustainable food supply. Previous research has shown that the use of nanoparticles may provide an effective way to deliver plant micronutrients. In this study, we compare copper oxide and copper phosphate-based nanoparticles to determine the effect of the coordinating anion and the Cu2+ release profile on repressing <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i> wilt in watermelon. To understand the behavior of nanomaterials in a simulated plant environment we performed dissolution studies in water, and in mixtures of malic and citric acids. The organic acids induced a pronounced increase in the rates of metal release form both copper oxide and phosphate, while copper oxide and phosphate differed significantly in release rate. Under experimental conditions, copper phosphate yielded greater resistance to disease progression. In all cases, the method of application is an important variable that must be controlled. In this talk we will discuss the molecular-level factors that control the ability of Cu-based nanoparticles to enhance disease resistance and produce improvements in crop yield.

Influence of copper phosphate and copper oxide nanoparticles on growth and disease resistance of watermelon

256th National Meeting (2018)

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