Biochemical Responses of Wheat Leaf Rust Disease by Using Silica and Orange Oil Nanoparticles

The potential antifungal activity of different applications of biologically and chemically synthesized silica nanoparticles (NPs), orange oil NPs, and fungicide (Crwan® 25% EC) was investigated to control leaf rust disease of wheat. The obtained data showed that disease severity significantly decreased in all treated wheat plants compared to the control. Additionally, all applications enhanced the number of grains and grain weight /spike. The significant effects of different applications increased chlorophyll, carotenoid, phenolic, and protein contents. Moreover, they increased the activities of catalase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes compared to the control. Finally, the fungicide, Crwan® and the bio-synthesized silica nanoparticles (400 ppm), yielded the best results in our study compared to other applications, while orange oil NPs (200 ppm) were the least effective.