Application of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Oak Fruit Exudates against Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum Causing Postharvest Soft Rot Disease in Vegetables

The main goal of our study was to determine whether biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (SNPs) could be used as a novel antibacterial material in order to control soft rot in vegetables. Exudates from oak fruit were used in the green synthesis of SNPs. Postharvest soft rot disease in vegetables has resulted in significant crop losses all over the globe. Because managing Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc), the causal agent of soft rot disease, is difficult due to its wide host range, developing innovative disease-management methods that do not involve the use of hazardous chemicals is a top priority for maintaining sustainable agriculture. The current research has found that silver nanoparticles (SNPs) have a detrimental effect on the progression of Pcc and soft rot disease in in vitro conditions. At SNPs’ sub-MIC, the greatest levels of inhibition against tissue maceration were 22, 19.8, 21.5, and 18.5 percent in potato, zucchini, carrot, and eggplant, respectively. SNP treatment of tubers and fruits had a noteworthy suppressive impact on soft rot disease symptoms as compared to controls. SNPs may be able to replace chemical pesticides in the management and prevention of soft rot disease in vegetables in postharvest settings, according to this study. © 2023 by the authors.