Green fabrication of titanium dioxide nanoparticles via Syzygium cumini leaves extract: characterizations, photocatalytic activity and nematicidal evaluation

ABSTRACTThe most significant plant parasitic nematode in terms of economic impact is root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita), which severely harms essential crops used for agriculture. This study investigated green fabrication of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) utilizing Syzygium cumini (SC) leaf extract and evaluated its nematotoxic activity against M. incognita in vitro and in pots. During experiments, second-stage juveniles (J2s) and egg masses of M. incognita were treated with different concentrations (125, 250, 375 and 500 ppm) of SC-TiO2 NPs. After 48 h and five days of exposure, respectively, lowest J2s mortality and per cent inhibition in egg hatching was discovered at 125 ppm, and highest J2s mortality and maximum per cent inhibition in egg hatching determined at 500 ppm. The treatment of SC TiO2 NPs considerably reduced M. incognita infection and enhanced carrot plants' growth and physiological characteristics. The characterization of green synthesized SC-TiO2 NPs made by X-ray diffraction, Photoluminescence, FTIR, SEM, UV-Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectrophotometer, TEM, and photocatalytic activity also examined. In conclusion, it can be said that SC-TiO2 NPs possess nematode-toxic potential against M. incognita and are used as substitutes for high-risk chemical nematicides without causing any phytotoxicity.