The effect of copper nanoparticles on soft rot agent of potato, carrot and onion

Bacterial soft rot caused by Pectobacterium species is one of the important and common diseases in Potatoes and vegetables. Disinfection of tubers or seeds with chemicals is one of the methods of disease management. Copper nanoparticles, like silver and gold nanoparticles, have a strong inhibitory effect on bacterial cells, but they are much cheaper and more accessible than them. This research was conducted to determine the effect of copper nanoparticles alone and in combination with oxytetracycline and streptomycin antibiotics on potato, carrot and onion soft rot.

The pathogen was isolated from rotten tissues of potato, carrot and onion, purified and identified by studying the phenotypic and genetic characteristics of the Pel-gene region using Pectobacterium specific primers (Y1 and Y2). The effect of copper nanoparticles, oxytetracycline and streptomycin, and their combination with copper nanoparticles on the pathogen growth was investigated in a completely randomized design experiment with three replications for each treatment in vitro.

Pectobacterium odoriferum was identified as pathogen based on phenotypic characteristics and genetic affinity. Streptomycin compared to oxytetracycline inhibited the pathogen growth more and their effect in combination with copper nanoparticles increased by 12 and 19.5%, respectively.

Copper nanoparticles can inhibit the growth of P. odoriferum, and in combination with antibiotics increase their effect.