Use of metal nano-particles in plant protection formulations

Abstract

The invention relates to the use of metal nanoparticles either alone or in combination with conventional fungicides to combat resistant and sensitive phytopathogens by exploiting their unique physicochemical properties and the experimentally established synergistic effect that they demonstrate against sensitive and resistant pathogens, when combined with conventional pesticides. The above property allows the reduction of the plant protection environmental footprint by reducing the required doses of the plant protection substances in use. Specifically, this proposed use aims to: a) reduce the doses of conventional chemical fungicides; b) increase the effectiveness of conventional fungicides against resistant phytopathogens; c) control difficult-to-treat plant bacterial diseases.