Chitosan Nanoparticles Improved Lucky bamboo immunity against Rhizoctonia solani and Induced Expression of Defense-Related Genes

Mahmoud, Mohamed; Almorsy, Samy; Ahmed, Hamada; Abd El-Aziz, Abeer

doi:10.21608/ejp.2025.400339.1148

Chitosan Nanoparticles Improved Lucky bamboo immunity against Rhizoctonia solani and Induced Expression of Defense-Related Genes

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, 12619, Giza, Egypt.

² Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center

10.21608/ejp.2025.400339.1148

Abstract

Root rot disease of lucky bamboo leads to economic losses and crop production constraints. Research indicated that chitosan nanoparticles (CH NPs) is an eco-friendly agent for root rot management and reveals potential molecular mechanisms against the pathogen. CH NPs underwent chemical characterization using spectroscopic and microscopic methods including UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV-vis), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Following CH NPs confirmation, they were evaluated for antifungal properties and impacts on lucky bamboo's chemical and molecular composition. A survey performed during August–October 2023 across three Egyptian governorates revealed root rot and basal stem rot disease symptoms in lucky bamboo specimens. Maximum disease infection percentage was occurred in lucky bamboo collected from Giza Governorate. Six fungal species belonging to four distinct genera were isolated from lucky bamboo samples, with Rhizoctonia solani (R. solani) being the most common. CH NPs exhibited potent concentration-dependent fungistatic effects on R. solani and substantially decreased mycelial radial development (up to 100% growth inhibition), disease infection, and disease severity. CH NPs improved the antioxidant ability of treated plants, boosting both enzyme-based and non-enzyme-based defense systems against R. solani compared to untreated plants. CH NPs induced the transcription level of defense genes (APX, CAT, and SOD) in lucky bamboo-infected plants. Especially in CH NPs (50 mg/L) treated plants, which were increased by 1.8, 1.7, and 2.3-fold the gene expression level of APX, CAT, and SOD (defense gene) compared to control infected plants. CH NPs offer disease control insights, advanced research into agricultural nanomaterials, and use eco-friendly nano fungicides for sustainable agriculture.

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