In: Sydowia 73, (2021): 45-60; ISSN 0082-0598, DOI 10.12905/0380.sydowia73-2020-0045, Published online on September 25, 2020

Current status of nanotechnology application in management of the complex fungal pathogen Colletotrichum – a review

Shivakumar Gowda1,2 & Subbaraman Sriram1,*

1 Division of Plant Pathology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta Lake Post, Bangalore-560089, India
2 Department of Biochemistry, Centre for postgraduate studies, Jain University, #18/3, 9th main 3rd block, Jayanagar,
Bangalore-560 011, India
* e-mail: sriram1702@gmail.com

Gowda S. & Sriram S. (2020) Current status of nanotechnology application in management of the complex fungal pathogen
Colletotrichum – a review. – Sydowia 73: 45–60.

Nanotechnological approaches are rapidly progressing and have proven to be reliable in plant disease management owing to
their high stability and biodegradability. Pathogens that cause disease in plants have been a matter of concern throughout the
world. Synthetic chemicals such as fungicides are used in the effective management of phytopathogens. However, excessive use
of pesticides has resulted in the development of resistance and in turn, increased the problems associated with residues, therefore
there is a need for an alternative control strategy to overcome this barrier. To date green synthesis of nanomaterials from biological
agents such as plants and microbes has become an important area of research because of its eco-friendly nature and lowcost
synthesis. Application of nanomaterials for management of Colletotrichum spp. is relatively new and most of the studies are
confined to the lab. Understanding their mechanism of action, the potential risk to the environment, and toxicity will surely make
it a better alternative for conventional fungicides. The paper overviews the limitations of conventional vs current (nanotechnology)
approaches in disease management strategies. In addition, the advantages of nanomaterial applications for effective management
of a fungal plant pathogen of the genus Colletotrichum are explored.

Keywords: Nanotechnology, Green synthesis, Colletotrichum, Anthracnose, Metallic nanoparticle.