Efficacy of silver nanoparticles (NPs) and fungal elicitors on the curcuminoid production in Curcuma longa L

This study investigates the effects of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), biogenic silver nanoparticles derived from
Rhizopus spp. (R.Ag NPs), and Rhizopus (R) elicitors on the yield and bioactive compounds of turmeric (Curcuma
longa) using foliar spray and rhizome dipping techniques. Elicitors applied at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100
ppm over 210 days significantly enhanced turmeric yield, phenolic, flavonoid, antioxidant, and curcuminoid
content compared to control plants. Among the treatments, Rhizopus culture at 50 ppm applied via foliar spray
resulted in a 3.5% increase in curcuminoid content, while rhizome dipping at the same concentration led to a
3.75% increase. These findings suggest that foliar spraying and rhizome dipping with Rhizopus elicitors can
effectively enhance turmeric quality, offering potential for improving crop production and curcuminoid yield.