Abstract

Mold infestation in oil seeds like melon leads to significant losses. Traditional chemical treatments for these molds harm humans, animals, and the environment. Biological control methods, such as selenium biosynthesized nanoparticles (SeNPs), offer a safer alternative. This study investigated the antifungal properties of SeNPs synthesized using Cassia fistula leaf extract against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium species in melon seeds. The spoilage molds were identified using standard techniques, and the SeNPs were characterized through UV-visible spectroscopy, TEM, FTIR, and EDX. The biosynthesized Cassia fistula Selenium Nanoparticles (CFSNPs) showed a brownish color and a UV-visible absorption peak at 450 nm, indicating the successful formation of SeNPs. TEM analysis revealed various shapes of CFSNPs, while EDX confirmed selenium as the dominant element. FTIR spectra showed the presence of different functional groups, suggesting successful synthesis. The CFSNPs exhibited significant antifungal activity, inhibiting mycelial growth by 72.1% and 92.12% against A. niger, and by 73.5% and 82.25% against Penicillium species at concentrations of 0.75 mg/ml and 1.0 mg/ml, respectively. In contrast, Cassia leaf extract alone showed lower inhibition rates. The enhanced antifungal activity of CFSNPs highlights their potential for preventing spoilage in agro-produce, thereby extending the shelf life of oil seed crops