Nano-formulated agricultural chemicals offer a unique approach to boosting agricultural productivity and
controlling plant pathogens while minimizing adverse environmental impacts. Among the various
nanoparticle classes, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have garnered attention for their environmentally
friendly properties and versatile applications. Recent years have witnessed a growing interest in the
applications of ZnO-NPs for microbial control, particularly in combating multidrug-resistant microorganisms.
Green synthesis methods for ZnO-NPs have gained prominence, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective
alternative to chemical and physical synthesis methods. Plant-mediated fabrication, in particular, has
gained favor due to the ready availability of plant-derived materials, the presence of secondary metabolites,
reduced culture maintenance time, and minimal risk of cross-contamination. This study explores the
application of green-synthesized ZnO-NPs in combating Fusarium wilt, a devastating fungal disease
affecting crops like chili plants. The research involves the collection and identification of bryophytes, the
preparation of leaf extracts, and the collection of Fusarium isolates. ZnO-NPs are synthesized using
bryophytes, and their inhibitory effect on Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. capsici is evaluated in vitro. The study
also assesses the impact of ZnO-NPs on chili plant growth parameters before and after pathogen
inoculation. The findings reveal that ZnO-NPs exhibit significant antifungal activity against Fusarium
oxysporum f.sp. capsici. Moreover, these nanoparticles positively influence the growth parameters of chili
plants, with notable improvements in root and shoot length, fresh and dry weights, and a reduction in
disease incidence. These results underscore the potential of green-synthesized ZnO-NPs as a promising
antifungal agent against soil-borne pathogens, offering environmentally friendly solutions to agricultural
challenges and improved crop productivity.