Inhibitory effect of two rare earth elements on the growth of three Fusarium species

Abstract

Agriculture faces considerable economic losses due to phytopathogenic fungi, mainly of the genus Fusarium, which affects various vegetables and crops of economic importance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two rare earth elements (REE) on the development and propagation speed of three species of the genus Fusarium, in in vitro cultures. A completely randomized experiment design was performed with 10 treatments: T1 (negative control-0 μM), T2 (25 μM LaCl3), T3 (50 μM LaCl3), T4 (75 μM LaCl3), T5 (100μM LaCl3), T6 (25 μM GdCl3), T7 (50 μM GdCl3), T8 (75 μM GdCl3), T9 (100 μM GdCl3), T10 (positive control-propiconazole), each with five replicates, using the poisoned medium method. Mycelial growth, inhibition rate, and number of conidia were evaluated for seven days. The statistical analysis showed significant differences in all variables. REE treatments (T8 and T9) showed the greatest mycelial inhibition and conidial reduction; however, treatment T10 with propiconazole was more effective, although it has been reported as a carcinogen. It is concluded that rare earths generate an inhibitory effect, so it is recommended to continue evaluating higher concentrations and their effect on plants.