Metalloid and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Suppress Sudden Death Syndrome of Soybean

Soybeans (Glycine max) (V3 stage) were sprayed once with nanoparticles (NPs) of AgO, B, CeO, CuO, MnO, MoO3, SiO, TiO, or ZnO and exposed to Fusarium virguliforme, the cause of sudden death syndrome. Up to 80% root rot was observed in greenhouse experiments. However, NP CuO, B, MoO3, or ZnO reduced the root rot severity by 17–25%. Infected roots and shoots had significant changes in B, Mg, P, S, Si, and Zn, but NP treatment restored levels to that of the healthy control. For example, the increased root Mg and Mn contents induced by disease were reversed by NP B and Mn amendments. In vitro assays found that the NPs did not inhibit the pathogen. This, along with the restoration of altered nutrient levels in the plant tissue, suggests that modulated plant nutrition increased disease defense. Treatment of seedlings with nanoscale micronutrients may be a new tool in promoting soybean health.