Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibre matrix encapsulated with tebuconazole fungicide: a smart delivery system against dry root rot disease of black gram

In the present study, nanofibre has been developed from biodegradable polymer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and is utilized for tebuconazole fungicide molecule encapsulation for smart delivery of bioactive molecules against root rot disease caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid in black gram. The scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope results confirmed the loading of tebuconazole in PVA nanofibres. UV-Vis spectroscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy give functional characterizations and further established the tebuconazole loading in PVA nanofibres. The encapsulation efficiency study resulted in about 27% tebuconazole successfully infused in PVA nanofibre. The release kinetics of tebuconazole infused in PVA nanofibres was sustained and as a controlled release. The bio-efficacy test results of disc diffusion assay and poisoned food techniques demonstrated the effectiveness of tebuconazole-loaded nanofibre on dry root rot incidence as there was a maximum inhibitory growth zone of dry root rot observed. The artificial inoculation study supported the previous techniques as plants raised from seeds coated with tebuconazole-infused PVA nanofibres recorded minimum dry root rot incidence. Seed quality test results reveal the positive response of tebuconazole-infused nanofibre seed invigoration in recording germination, seedling growth, dry matter production, and vigour index.

Automated summary

In this study, nanofibre from biodegradable polymer PVA was developed for encapsulation of tebuconazole fungicide molecule to effectively deliver bioactive molecules against root rot disease. The results showed successful loading and sustained release of tebuconazole in PVA nanofibres. Bio-efficacy tests demonstrated the significant inhibitory effect of tebuconazole-loaded nanofibre on dry root rot, and seed quality tests revealed positive effects on germination and growth.