The Effect of Nano-Silver Liquid against the White Rot of the Green Onion Caused by Sclerotium cepivorum
In this breakthrough study, published in the March 2010 issue of the journal Mycobiology, researchers found that applying varying levels of silver nanoparticles to the roots of green onion plants completely eradicated Sclerotium cepivorum fungal infections known to destroy the plants.
Not only did the application of silver nanoparticles destroy the pathogenic plant fungus, but according to the study authors, it caused no harm whatsoever to beneficial soil microbes needed by the green onion plants for growth, nor was there any negative change in the soil chemistry or composition.
What’s more, the nanosilver-treated green onion plants, once harvested, were demonstrated to have grown larger and to weigh more than the non-treated green onion plants. Finally, the study researchers pointed out that the more they increased the use of nanosilver on the green onion plants, the lower the level of silver being absorbed into the plant itself. The researchers stated, “When the amount of nano-silver was calculated in the plants grown in nano-silver treated soil, it was found that the concentration of nano-silver used for treatment and the concentration of nano-silver found in the plants was inversely proportional.” In other words, the plants themselves apparently reduce absorption of the nanosilver when higher levels are used on them to control the plant blight.
The conclusion drawn by the study researchers was staggering in its implications: “Nano-silver liquid for the prevention of various plant pathogenic fungi is highly recommended to farmers. Additionally, the use of nano-silver does not cause any harm to human beings, and it is safe for the environment and agricultural products. In conclusion, we can say that by using nano-silver liquid, environmental pollution and the excessive use of chemical compounds in the field can be reduced. It is expected that the application of nano-silver at low concentrations will be economic, eco friendly, and decrease farm management costs.”
