Physiological and biochemical responses of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) to endophytic fungi and silver nanoparticles in relation to Helicoverpa armigera
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25081/jpsp.2026.v12.9751Keywords:
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum), Helicoverpa armigera, Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), Metarhizium anisopliae, Antioxidant defense system, Physiobiochemical responseAbstract
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), an important pulse crop of the Fabaceae family, is widely cultivated due to its high protein content and nutritional value. In Pakistan, major chickpea-growing regions include the Thal desert, Layyah, Bhakkar, Chowk Azam, and Chobara. However, chickpea production is severely constrained by insect pests, particularly Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworm), a destructive chewing pest that damages stems, delays crop growth, and reduces yield potential. Sustainable and eco-friendly approaches to pest control are therefore essential. In the present study, green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in combination with Metarhizium anisopliae were investigated for their physiological, biochemical, and pesticidal effects on chickpea under controlled conditions. Chickpea plants were treated with two concentrations of AgNO3 (5% and 10%) in combination with M. anisopliae (2% and 4%) through foliar application prior to pest infestation. The ingestion of AgNPs by H. armigera larvae caused gut damage and subsequent mortality, thereby protecting the plants. Mortality rates increased with both concentration and exposure time, reaching 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% after 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours, respectively. In addition to pest suppression, treated plants exhibited significant improvements in physiological and biochemical attributes. Biomass accumulation, root length, and shoot height were enhanced, while photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids) showed a marked increase compared to controls. Furthermore, biochemical assays revealed elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (MDA and H₂O₂) alongside enhanced activities of enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, POD, CAT) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (TSP), indicating activation of the plant defense system. The study, conducted in a completely randomized design with three replicates, demonstrates that the synergistic application of silver nanoparticles and M. anisopliae offers a promising, safe, and environmentally sustainable strategy for managing H. armigera infestation in chickpea while simultaneously promoting plant growth and physiological performance.
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