Potential Antifungal Effects of Calcium Oxide/Zinc Oxide Nanosuspension on Mycelial Growth of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum (Ascomycota, Botryosphaeriaceae) Associated With Pistachio Dieback.

The study aimed to synthesise and evaluate the efficacy of calcium oxide (CaO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-suspensions, in conjunction with adjuvants, on the mycelial growth of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, a notable fungal pathogen impacting pistachio trees in Iran. The study tackles a significant agricultural challenge by exploring eight different treatments, including both nano and pure forms of calcium oxide (CaO) and zinc oxide (ZnO), as well as polyethylene glycol, peracetic acid, and copper oxychloride. The results indicated a notable reduction in mycelial growth, particularly with the zinc oxide nanosuspension, especially when used in combination with peracetic acid, which revealed a synergistic antifungal effect. Further research is necessary to assess the field applications of these treatments for sustainable plant disease management.