Inhibitory potential of silver nanoparticle (AgNP) at concentrations of 10, 20, 50 and 100 ppm was assessed on two foliar phytopathogens viz. Bipolaris sorokiniana and Alternaria brassicicola. Antifungal activity of AgNP was found to be significant in reducing germinating spores as well as mycelial growth of both pathogens in an experiment under controlled condition. AgNP at a concentration of 20 ppm was found effective to inhibit spore germination in B. sorokiniana as well as A. brassicicola. AgNP at 100 ppm resulted in restricting maximum mycelial growth for both pathogens. Hence, the current work revealed to apply 20 ppm of AgNP if considering a greater reduction in germinating spores of B. sorokiniana and A. brassicicola. Further, 100 ppm of AgNP may be preferred in restricting mycelial growth for these pathogens. The study, therefore, indicates that AgNP is having significant antifungal activity against B. sorokiniana and A. brassicicola, and hence, may find its scope in inhibiting the growth of foliar fungal pathogens (Deuteromycota) paving way for future experimental work in the field of plant disease management.

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