Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Fluconazole Hybrid Nanoformulations for Managing <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i> Wilt Disease in Chickpea Plants

ABSTRACT Chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) is the second most important legume crop globally, serving as a vital source of protein in human diets. However, its productivity is significantly constrained by Fusarium wilt, a destructive disease caused by the soil‐borne fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc). This pathogen persists in the soil and infects chickpea plants under favorable conditions, particularly in hot and humid climates. Fusarium wilt is responsible for an estimated annual yield reduction of 10%–15%, and in severe cases, it can lead to complete crop failure. The present study aimed to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of green‐synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver–fluconazole (Ag–FLZ) hybrid nanoformulations against chickpea wilt disease. The AgNPs were synthesized using guava ( Psidium guajava ) leaf extract. Nanoformulations of FLZ capped with polyethylene glycol were synthesized using anti‐solvent precipitation method. Characterization of AgNPs and FLZ nanoformulation was done using UV–visible spectroscopy, particle size analyzer, XRD, and SEM. Thus, characterized AgNPs’ average size was found to be 54.9 nm and FLZ nanoformulation average size was found to be 95.6 nm. The XRD characterization technique validated the presence of crystalline nature of AgNPs. The efficacy of AgNPs and FLZ‐based nanoformulations on antioxidative enzyme activity was evaluated through biochemical assays. A significant enhancement in antioxidant enzyme levels was observed following treatment. Chickpea plants infected with Fusarium wilt were treated with AgNPs and Ag–FLZ hybrid nanoformulation at varying concentrations, which effectively inhibited the growth of the pathogenic fungi. Among the treatments, the Ag–FLZ hybrid nanoformulation exhibited superior antifungal activity, conferring enhanced resistance to the pathogen. These findings highlight the potential application of Ag–FLZ hybrid nanoformulations as an effective antifungal strategy for managing Fusarium wilt in chickpea plants.