Biogenic ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using L. aculeata leaf extract and their antifungal activity against plant fungal pathogens

In this study, Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized using aqueous extract of Lantana aculeata Linn. leaf and assessed their effects on antifungal activity against the plant fungal pathogens. Synthesized nanoparticles were confirmed by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer, X-ray diffractometer, Field-emission scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The antifungal activity of ZnO nanoparticles were determined using the well diffusion method. All the characterization analyses revealed that nanoparticles were highly stable and crystalline in nature. L. aculeata-mediated ZnO nanoparticles were spherical in shape with an average particle size of 12 ± 3 nm. Antifungal studies concluded that the maximum zone of inhibition was observed in Aspergillus flavus (21 ± 1.0 mm) and Fusarium oxysporum (19 ± 1.0 mm) at 100 μg ml −1 concentration. These results clearly indicated the benefits of using ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using biological methods and shown to have antifungal activities and also that it can be effectively used as antifungal agent in environmental aspect of agricultural development.