THE IMPACT OF SYNTHETIC METAL OXIDE NANOMATERIALS ON XANTHOMONAS CITRI GROWTH

Abstract

Xanthomonas citri is a hardy pathogen that causes significant crop damage in citrus lemons, a valuable commercial crop. The study's goal is to determine the efficacy of synthetic metal oxide nanoparticles in removing X. citri. The fungus X. citri, which causes citrus canker, was isolated from infected citrus lemon fruits. Titanium dioxide (TiO2), copper oxide (CuO), zinc oxide (ZnO), and FeO nanoparticles were tested for their ability to prevent the growth of isolated X. citri. Unlike TiO2, FeO, and CuO, which did not suppress X. citri growth, ZnO showed a definite zone of inhibition against the bacterium. The inhibitory effect of ZnO was validated by measuring the optical density of X. citri's growth curve. Zinc oxide slowed the progression of X. citri toward the logarithmic portion of its growth curve. The findings of this study will contribute to existing information about the usage of nanomaterials in agriculture. The findings will help farmers who are struggling to eradicate X. citri, a disease that affects citrus lemons, a crop with significant economic value.