Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Makahiya (Mimosa pudica) Leaf Extract as Fungicide against Philippine Downy Mildew (Peronosclerospora philippinensis) in Corn Crops (Zea mays)

Document Types

Poster Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Sustainability, Environment, and Energy (SEE)

School Name

Quezon City Science High School

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Genevieve C. Vasquez

Start Date

25-6-2026 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2026 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

DLSU Laguna Campus (In-person) - John Gokongwei, Jr. Innovation Center (JGIC)

Abstract/Executive Summary

Corn is a staple crop and a major contributor to the Philippines’ agriculture and food security sectors. Its production, however, faces a serious threat from Philippine Downy Mildew (Peronosclerospora philippinensis), a disease that causes substantial yield losses. This study investigates the potential of Makahiya (Mimosa pudica), a weed commonly found throughout the Philippines, and green-synthesized silver nanoparticles from Makahiya, in inhibiting this pathogen. Makahiya leaves were dried, ground, and subjected to ethanol maceration to extract their bioactive compounds. This extract was then mixed with silver nitrate to synthesize the nanoparticles. After isolation, the nanoparticles underwent characterization through FTIR Spectroscopy, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, SEM-EDX, and XRD analyses. The silver nanoparticles were subsequently diluted with water to prepare three concentrations—100 ppm, 1,000 ppm, and 10,000 ppm—which were tested using a nanoparticle-based pathogen inhibition assay under both preventive and curative setups on corn plants. Statistical results from the Kruskal-Wallis test and Negative Binomial Regression showed a significant inhibitory effect compared with the negative control (water), with a p-value of 0.001, confirming the effectiveness of the nanoparticles. Although no significant differences were found among the three concentrations (p-value of 0.177), the lowest concentration (100 ppm) was deemed the most practical for resource efficiency. Negative Binomial Regression further revealed reduction rates of 91% for 10,000 ppm, 88% for 1,000 ppm, and 79% for 100 ppm. In conclusion, silver nanoparticles synthesized using Makahiya demonstrated strong potential in mitigating Philippine Downy Mildew and present a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical pesticides.

Keywords

Makahiya; Mimosa pudica; Peronosclerospora philippinensis; Silver Nanoparticles

Statement of Originality

yes

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Jun 25th, 10:30 AM Jun 25th, 12:00 PM

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Makahiya (Mimosa pudica) Leaf Extract as Fungicide against Philippine Downy Mildew (Peronosclerospora philippinensis) in Corn Crops (Zea mays)

Corn is a staple crop and a major contributor to the Philippines’ agriculture and food security sectors. Its production, however, faces a serious threat from Philippine Downy Mildew (Peronosclerospora philippinensis), a disease that causes substantial yield losses. This study investigates the potential of Makahiya (Mimosa pudica), a weed commonly found throughout the Philippines, and green-synthesized silver nanoparticles from Makahiya, in inhibiting this pathogen. Makahiya leaves were dried, ground, and subjected to ethanol maceration to extract their bioactive compounds. This extract was then mixed with silver nitrate to synthesize the nanoparticles. After isolation, the nanoparticles underwent characterization through FTIR Spectroscopy, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, SEM-EDX, and XRD analyses. The silver nanoparticles were subsequently diluted with water to prepare three concentrations—100 ppm, 1,000 ppm, and 10,000 ppm—which were tested using a nanoparticle-based pathogen inhibition assay under both preventive and curative setups on corn plants. Statistical results from the Kruskal-Wallis test and Negative Binomial Regression showed a significant inhibitory effect compared with the negative control (water), with a p-value of 0.001, confirming the effectiveness of the nanoparticles. Although no significant differences were found among the three concentrations (p-value of 0.177), the lowest concentration (100 ppm) was deemed the most practical for resource efficiency. Negative Binomial Regression further revealed reduction rates of 91% for 10,000 ppm, 88% for 1,000 ppm, and 79% for 100 ppm. In conclusion, silver nanoparticles synthesized using Makahiya demonstrated strong potential in mitigating Philippine Downy Mildew and present a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical pesticides.

https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2026/BoA_Poster_SEE/3