Abstract

Xanthomonas citri infecting commercially important crop citrus lemon is a resistant pathogen causing huge crop loss. The study
is aimed at identifying synthetic metal oxide nanomaterials as a solution for X. citri eradication. Citrus canker causing fungus X.
citri was isolated from infected citrus lemon fruits. The inhibitory effect of titanium dioxide (TiO2), copper oxide nanoparticles
(CuO), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO), and FeO nanomaterials against the isolated X. citri was studied. ZnO inhibited the
growth of X. citri with a clear zone of growth inhibition in contrast TiO2, FeO, and CuO did not exhibit growth inhibition
against X. citri. The inhibitory effect of ZnO was confirmed with optical density measurement of X. citri growth curve, ZnO
prevented X. citri in reaching Log page of its growth curve. The results of this work will be in addition to the present knowledge
of nanomaterials applications in agriculture. The study will be beneficial to the farmers who are facing a difficulty in eradication
of X. citri infecting commercially important crop citrus lemon.