In vitro Efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum Nanoparticles Against Colletotrichum capsici Causing Fruit Rot of Chilli

This study evaluates the antifungal effectiveness of biosynthesized Trichoderma harzianum nanoparticles against Colletotrichum capsici, the pathogen responsible for anthracnose in chili crops. In vitro efficacy of biosynthesized Trichoderma harzianum nanoparticles were assessed against Colletotrichum capsica causing anthracnose of chilli using Agar well method. All three nanoparticles tested showed significant inhibition of mycelial growth at concentrations of 100, 250, and 500 ppm. The lowest mycelial growth was recorded with CuNP at 250 ppm (64.50 mm), while Zinc sulphate at 250 ppm showed the highest growth (85.00 mm). The zone of inhibition was greatest with CuNP at 250 ppm (25.50 mm), indicating strong antifungal activity, followed by AgNP and CuNP at 500 ppm. Overall, CuNP showed the highest zone of followed by Silver and Zinc nanoparticles. These findings suggest that CuNPs could be a promising biocontrol agent for chili anthracnose management, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides."