Antifungal efficacy of biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles from clove (Syzygium aromaticum) extract on mycotoxigenic fungi associated with staple cereals

Mycotoxigenic fungal contamination in cereals is a major concern for global food safety and crop productivity, particularly in developing regions. This study evaluates the antifungal efficacy of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), synthesized through a green method, against mycotoxigenic fungi associated with staple cereals. Fungal species were isolated from maize, rice, sorghum, millet, and wheat, and identified using macroscopic, microscopic, and molecular techniques, including PCR amplification with ITS1 and ITS4 primers followed by sequence-based confirmation. The isolates identified were Aspergillus niger , A. flavus , A. oryzae , Penicillium chrysogenum , and Fusarium cerealis . SeNPs were biosynthesized using Syzygium aromaticum (clove) extract at concentrations of 5 mM, 20 mM, and 30 mM. Characterization of the SeNPs revealed a peak absorption at 437 nm through UV-visible spectroscopy and functional groups such as alkene, amine, alcohol, and nitro compounds as detected by FTIR. The antifungal activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method, where 5 mM SeNPs produced inhibition zones ranging from 15 mm to 22 mm. Complete fungal growth inhibition was observed at 20 mM and 30 mM SeNPs. These findings suggest that SeNPs are effective in inhibiting the growth of mycotoxigenic fungi, offering a potential solution for managing fungal contamination in staple cereals. • Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were biosynthesized using Syzygium aromaticum (clove) extract. • SeNPs showed potent antifungal activity against mycotoxigenic fungi isolated from staple cereals. • Complete inhibition of fungal growth was observed at 20 mM and 30 mM SeNP concentrations. • Application of 30 mM SeNPs significantly improved maize plant height and leaf length. • SeNPs exhibited promising antifungal activity for use in fungal control.