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Nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted great interest in various fields owing to their antimicrobial activity; however, the use of NPs as fungicides on plants has not been sufficiently investigated. In this study, the antifungal activities of sulfur nanoparticles (S-NPs) and copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) prepared by a green method were evaluated against Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The formation of NPs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The antifungal activities of NPs (5–100 µg/mL), CuSO4 (4000 µg/mL), and micro sulfur (MS) were compared to those of the recommended chemical fungicide Topsin-M 70 WP at a dose of 1000 µg/mL. They were evaluated in vitro and then in vivo at different temperatures (10 and 20 °C) on cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruits. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total soluble solids (TSS) were determined to study the effects of various treatments on the shelf life of cucumber fruits, compared to untreated cucumber as a positive control. The diameters of S-NPs and Cu-NPs ranged from 10 to 50 nm, and 2 to 12 nm, respectively. The results revealed that S-NPs exhibited the highest antifungal activity, followed by Cu-NPs. However, CuSO4 showed the lowest antifungal activity among all treatments. The antifungal activity of the prepared NPs increased with the increase in NP concentration, while the fungal growth was less at low temperature. The cytotoxicity of the prepared NPs was evaluated against the WI-38 and Vero cell lines in order to assess their applicability and sustainability. S-NPs caused less cytotoxicity than Cu-NPs.

, the causal agent of late wilt disease (LWD), poses a significant threat to maize production by reducing grain yield and quality. Identifying and developing resistant genotypes adapted to different environments is essential for sustainable crop improvement. Fifteen maize genotypes were evaluated for their response to LWD across three growing seasons at two experimental locations-Gemmeiza and Sids. Disease incidence, agronomic performance, anatomical features, and antioxidant enzyme activities were assessed. Gene expression analysis of PR1 and PR4 was conducted using RT-qPCR. Genotype × environment interaction (GEI) was analyzed using combined ANOVA and the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model. Significant differences were observed among genotypes, environments, and their interactions (GEI) for disease incidence and yield-related traits (p < 0.05). AMMI analysis confirmed substantial GEI effects on DI% and hundred kernel weight. Genotypes TWC1100, SC30K9, and SC2031 consistently showed the lowest disease incidence and the highest resistance rating index (RRI > 8.3) across both locations, while the susceptible check Boushy recorded the highest DI% and lowest RRI. TWC1100 and SC30K9 also achieved the highest kernel weights at Gemmeiza (42.8 g and 41.5 g, respectively). Stability analysis using AMMI stability value (ASV) identified TWC1100, SC30K9, TWC324, and SC130 as the most stable genotypes. Biochemical analysis revealed that resistant genotypes exhibited higher peroxidase activity and lower electrolyte leakage. Anatomical examination showed superior root structure in resistant genotypes, particularly SC2031. Molecular analysis confirmed the upregulation of PR1 and PR4 genes post-infection, with TWC1100 showing robust expression, while Boushy exhibited minimal gene activation. The integration of agronomic, anatomical, biochemical, and molecular analyses revealed promising maize genotypes with enhanced resistance to late wilt disease (LWD) and stable performance across diverse environments. These findings highlight the potential of these genotypes as valuable candidates for inclusion in breeding programs targeting improved disease resistance and yield stability under varying environmental conditions.

Tropical signalgrass (TSG) causes serious problems for sod production and turf maintenance in Florida. Other grasses such as large crabgrass (CG), smutgrass (SG), thin paspalum (TP), and torpedograss (TG) can be problematic as well. Several emulsion formulations composed of mycelium or mycelium-free culture filtrate (or both) of the fungal pathogen Drechslera gigantea (DG) and Sunspray 6E oil were tested with or without ammonium sulfate or pelargonic acid (n-nonanoic acid; a natural product registered as a biorational herbicide) in greenhouse and field trials. A 30% Sunspray 6E oil formulation containing DG mycelium (10 g), DG culture filtrate (70 ml), and 4.5 g of ammonium sulfate caused 88 to 100% injury on TSG, CG, SG, and TG in greenhouse trials. The injury resulted from disease as well as phytotoxicity of the culture filtrate, oil, and ammonium sulfate. An emulsion formulation composed of 30% Sunspray 6E oil and 70% DG culture filtrate amended with 2% (v/v) pelargonic acid killed SG 2 wk after application. DG formulations containing ammonium sulfate or pelargonic acid produced lower levels of injury when treated grasses were exposed to a 24-h dew period compared with those treated and not exposed to dew. Formulations containing DG mycelium, DG culture filtrate, and ammonium sulfate or pelargonic acid are effective and promising for control of weedy grasses. Further evaluations of these formulations under field conditions are justified.