Evaluating Cellulose Nanofibers for Managing Potato Diseases: Progress Report

This BIOAg progress report evaluates cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) as biodegradable, plant-derived protectants for managing potato diseases. CNFs possess amphiphilic properties that alter plant surface hydrophobicity, potentially preventing fungal pathogens from forming infection structures.

Initial work focused on silver scurf (Helminthosporium solani) using a controlled Petri dish assay with potato microtubers. Tubers treated with CNFs showed approximately 50% reduction in disease severity compared to untreated controls, as measured through conidial counts and qPCR quantification of fungal DNA. Additional trials are planned to confirm these findings. Upcoming research will assess CNF effectiveness against early blight, late blight, dry rot, and powdery scab, and evaluate whether CNFs trigger plant defense responses that could negatively affect growth or yield.

This research explores a novel, non-toxic addition to disease management strategies that may support more sustainable potato production systems.