Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis reveals the antifungal effects of myco-silver nanoparticles against toxigenic Fusarium verticillioides.

Nanotechnology has transformed agriculture by offering innovative, sustainable solutions to persistent challenges in plant disease management. Among these advancements, biogenic nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional chemical controls due to their unique bioactivity and environmentally benign synthesis. This study investigates the potential of myco-silver nanoparticles (myco-AgNPs) synthesized from Trichoderma harzianum as a biocontrol agent against maize ear and stalk rot caused by Fusarium verticillioides. Myco-AgNPs were extensively characterized and evaluated for antifungal efficacy. At a concentration of 80 μg/mL, these nanoparticles demonstrated significant antifungal activity, inhibiting fungal growth, sporulation, and cellular integrity, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. RNA sequencing revealed the differential expression of 2,906 genes in F. verticillioides, with 1,742 genes upregulated and 1,164 downregulated, many affecting metabolic pathways crucial for fungal survival. Additionally, untargeted metabolomics identified 4,862 metabolites, showing significant changes in amino acid, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism post-treatment. These findings indicate that myco-AgNPs not only exert direct antifungal effects but also disrupt essential metabolic pathways in F. verticillioides, enhancing maize resilience against this pathogen. This research highlights myco-AgNPs as a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fungicides, supporting their broader application in sustainable agriculture.