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Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Rivina humilis Leaf Extract Suppress Ganoderma boninense in Oil Palm Seedlings
Abstract
Basal stem rot (BSR) caused by Ganoderma boninense severely constrains global oil palm productivity, while conventional chemical fungicides often lack efficacy and cause negative ecological impacts, necessitating sustainable alternative control strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to biogenically synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Rivina humilis leaf extract (AgNPs-Rh) and evaluate their antifungal activity. AgNPs-Rh were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, a particle size analyzer (PSA), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In vitro antifungal activity was assessed via the poisoned plate method. In vivo efficacy was evaluated on oil palm seedlings inoculated with G. boninense at 4 months of age and subsequently treated with AgNPs-Rh at initial formulation concentrations of 250, 500, and 1,000 ppm. Results confirmed the successful biogenic synthesis, showing a surface plasmon resonance peak at 415 nm and an average hydrodynamic size of 77.3 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.308. FTIR and GC–MS analyses identified secondary metabolites, including phytol, as key stabilizing agents. In vitro assays demonstrated that 100 ppm AgNPs-Rh inhibited radial growth by 58.07%. In vivo, the 250 ppm application optimally suppressed BSR, reducing disease incidence and severity to 0% while significantly enhancing stem diameter and restoring total leaf chlorophyll content. In conclusion, AgNPs-Rh exhibit significant antifungal efficacy against G. boninense. This stable, biogenic formulation demonstrates strong potential as a highly promising, eco-friendly biocontrol alternative to synthetic fungicides for BSR management in oil palm nurseries.
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