The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a notorious polyphagous pest. Within a short period, this pest can cause significant damage to maize. Farmers are using widely synthetic pesticides to control fall armyworm. Further, the resistance development in insects and the non-target effect of chemicals on the environment and humans pose serious threats to using insecticides. The use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) is considered an important tool in integrated pest management programs. The main objective of this study was to check the impact of different conidial concentrations of fungus on mortality of S. frugiperda. From lower to higher concentrations after 2-8 days mortality rate due to Isaria fumosorosea, Aspergillus sp. Metarhizium anisopliae, and Beauveria bassiana ranges from 0.16%-53.50%, 0.23%-66.90%, 3.59%-73.59% and 6.88%-80.21%, respectively at lowest to highest concentration 1×104 to 1×108. After 2-8 days LC50 values of M. anisopliae range from 1.12 x 1011-1.03 x 106 (spores/mL) B. bassiana ranges from 1.68 x 109-8.03 x 106(spores/mL) Aspergillus sp ranges from 6.8 x 109-1.8 x 107(spores/mL) I. fumosorosea ranges from 1.19 x 109-8.1 x 107 (spores/mL). The tested fungal isolates could play an essential role as microbial biopesticides in suppressing the S. frugiperda population after further investigations on their efficacy are obtained in the field.

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) is a very detrimental fungal pathogen that affects tomato crops. This study employed the n-butanol fraction of the root extract of nettle-leaved goosefoot weed (Chenopodium murale L.) to control this pathogen. The dried and crushed roots of C. murale were extracted using methanol. After removing the soluble components of n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate, the n-butanol fraction was finally recovered. Laboratory bioassay was conducted using concentrations of this fraction ranging from 1.562 to 200 mg mL-1. The antifungal effect of 12.5 mg mL-1 and greater dosages was significant, with a 48–99% reduction in FOL biomass. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of eighteen phytochemicals in the extract. These included 2-methylnonane (13.20%), 1-hexanol (11.07%), 1-heptanol (10.38%), 3-hexanol (9.55%), γ-sitosterol (6.79%), oleic acid (6.64%), 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid (6.29%), 1-nonyne (6.12%), acetoxyacetone (5.79%), decane (5.39%), palmitic acid (4.95%), 1,1-diethoxypropane (3.54%), acetic acid, hexyl ester (3.11%), methyl oleate (2.37%), stigmasterol (1.87%), β-sitosterol (1.35%), 17-octadecenoic acid (0.93%), and stearic acid (0.56%). A literature survey revealed that the compounds namely 1-hexanol, 1-hepanol, palmitic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid and β-sitosterol are antifungal in nature and may be responsible for FOL control in the current investigation.

The present study was carried out to enlist herbicidal and antimicrobial compounds in the methanolic stem extract of Carthamus oxycantha, a problematic weed of Asteraceae. Methanolic stem extract was subjected to GC-MS analysis that revealed the presence of 150 constituents in the extract. The most abundant compound was Niacin (45.375%) followed by D-ribofuranose, 5-deoxy-5-(methylsulfinyl)-1,2,3-tris-O-(trimethylsilyl)- (14.528%); 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, methyl ester (4.951%); γ-tocopherol (4.638%); hexacosane (4.148%); 3-phenyllactic acid, 2TMS derivative (2.675%); 13-retinoic acid, (Z)-, TMS derivative (2.461%); 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-4-ethyl-3-imidazoline-1-oxyl (2.276%); octadecanoic acid (1.851%); 2-deoxy-1,3,4,5-tetrakis-O-(trimethylsilyl); pentitol (1.757%); 3,5,5-trimethyl-4-(3-((trimethylsilyl)oxy)butyl)cyclohex-2-enone (1.505%); methyl 9.cis.,11.trans.t,13.trans.-octadecatrienoate (1.136%); and benzoic acid, 3-[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]-, trimethylsilyl ester (1.044%). Peak areas for the rest of the compounds were below 1%. Among the identified compounds, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, methyl ester (3), hexacosane (5), 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- (28), tetradecanoic acid, methyl ester (29), hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (30), γ-sitosterol (33), 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, (Z,Z,Z)- (48), dodecanoic acid (68) and eicosane (128) are known to possess antimicrobial activities. Compound 28 is also known for its herbicidal activity as a binary mixture with xanthoxyline. This study concludes that the stem extract of C. oxycantha primarily comprises antifungal and antibacterial compounds.

Rose is a versatile plant with varying colors and fragrant flowers. This study was conducted to assess the biocontrol efficacy of various indigenous entomopathogenic fungi from Pakistan in controlling aphid collected from different plants and reared in the lab. Different concentrations (1×105, 1×106, 1×107, 1×108 and 1×109 conidia mL-1) of four fungal species namely Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anixpoli, M. attenuatum and Verticillium lecani were applied on aphids by means of filter paper technique. The highest aphid mortality was due to B. bassiana and M. anixpoli. The later fungal species caused up to 84% aphid mortality after 72 hours incubation period. The minimum lethal time (LT), LT50 and LT90 values for B. bassiana were 71.69 and 149.7 days, respectively, while the lowest lethal concentration (LC), LC50 and LC90 values were 8.6 × 108 and 8.7 × 1010 conidia mL-1 at 72 hours. In case of M. anixpoli, the minimum LT50 and LT90 values were 76.02 and 150.02 days, , and the minimum LC50 and LC90 values were 1.0×106 and 2.23×1013 conidia mL-1, respectively. This study demonstrates that M. anixpoli and B. bassiana can be used as effective biocontrol agents against aphids in Pakistan.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important cash crop of Pakistan. Black scurf of potato is a very important disease that is caused by Rhizoctonia solani K & uuml;hn. In this study, management of black scurf of potato was done through biocontrol method by using plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and dry biomass of a weed, Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. In vitro antagonistic interactions were carried out to assess the potential of two strains of PGPR namely Bacillus megaterium ZMR6 and Pseudomonas fluorescence PF180 against the fungal growth. P. flourescens showed marked antagonistic activity causing 65% reduction in growth of the fungus as compared to 43% reduction due to B. megaterium. Likewise, in laboratory bioassays, methanolic extract of 2, 4 and 6% concentrations of leaf, stem, and root of C. arvense reduced biomass of R. solani by 64-71%, 42-53% and 26-47%, respectively. In pot experiment, the two PGPR species and different doses of C. arvense dry biomass (CDB) viz. 1, 2 and 3% (w/w) were used as soil amendment separately as well as in combination to control the disease. There were 13 treatments, which included a negative control; a positive control (R. solani only); 1, 2 and 3% CDB (separately) together with R. solani, two PGPR species (separately) plus R. solani; different combinations of two PGPR species and CDB together with R. solani. Potato variety Sante was used as test plant. The highest disease incidence (91%) and disease severity (rating scale 4) were observed in positive control (with R. solani only). R. solani significantly reduced biomass of tubers by 52% over negative control. All the treatments significantly enhanced tuber biomass by 18-166% over positive control. The best combination was 3% CDB + P. florescence where minimum disease incidence (3%) and severity (mean disease rating 0.2) were recorded. This treatment also showed the highest tubers yield that was 29% and 166% higher as compared to negative and positive control treatments, respectively. It concluded that P. florescence in combination with 3% dry biomass of C. arvense can control black scurf disease and enhance potato yield.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivation in Pakistan faces challenges, with black scurf disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn being a significant concern. Conventional methods like chemical fungicides partially control it, but an effective solution is lacking. This study explores the potential of biofertilizers and soil amendments from Asteraceae weed biomass to manage the disease. Two potato varieties, Karoda and Sante, were chosen, and two biofertilizers, Fertibio and Feng Shou, were tested alone or with Xanthium strumarium biomass. Disease pressure was highest in the positive control, with significant reduction by chemical fungicide. X. strumarium biomass also decreased disease incidence significantly. Fertibio showed better efficacy than Feng Shou. Physiological and biochemical attributes of plants improved with biofertilizer and biomass application. Tuber weight, photosynthetic pigments, total protein content, and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POX, and PPO) were positively correlated. Combined application of Fertibio and S. marianum biomass effectively managed black scurf disease. These eco-friendly alternatives could enhance disease management and yield. Future research should explore their cost-effectiveness, commercialization, and safety.

Black Scurf is one of the destructive fungal diseases of potato crops caused by fungus Rhizoctonia solani. Cultural practices and fungicide applications are insufficient in effectively combating the pathogen, while utilizing resistant cultivars has become one of the most economical and effective way to control disease. About ten commercial potato varieties were screened out against the disease by artificially inoculating the plants with R. solani and these potato varieties were grouped based on disease incidence and disease severity. Four varieties (Ronoldo, Rubi, Challenge, and Sadaf) were grouped as resistant, three varieties (SH-5, Sante and Astrex) as moderately susceptible and three varieties (Karoda, Mosica and Simply red) as susceptible with significantly highest disease incidence (P ≤ 0.05). Disease also reduced number and size of tubers, while the disease incidence showed negative (P < 0.001) correlation with chlorophyll and protein contents, and activities of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymes. It was concluded that a combination of phenotypic and physiological indices could be used to identify black scurf resistance in potatoes.

Abstract The red flour beetle, known scientifically as Tribolium castaneum, stands as a notorious pest afflicting stored grain commodities. The widespread reliance on chemical pesticides to curb its infestations poses a significant threat to human health, prompting several regions to reject shipments containing pesticides to safeguard human well-being and address environmental safety concerns. Acknowledging the drawbacks associated with chemical pesticides, the contemporary era is witnessing a shift towards chemical-free approaches, specifically towards biological methods, for the control of insect pests. In this context, the present investigation was formulated to tackle the infestation with entomopathogenic fungi, namely Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Verticillium lacanii, and Trichoderma viridea against the adult stage of the red flour beetle. Series of concentrations viz., 1 × 103, 1 × 105, 1 × 107, 1 × 109, and 1 × 1011 conidia/ml were used for treatment of wheat grains. Finding revealed that significant mortality percentage was observed at a concentration of 1 × 1011 conidia/ml after 12 days of exposure on all tested EPF strains. B. bassiana exhibited the highest efficacy with a 68% mortality followed by 63%, 41% and 39% on M. anisopliae, T. viridea and V. lacanii respectively after 12 days of exposure. The present study also reveals that B. bassiana and M. anisopliae after 12 days of exposure showed the lowest LC50 values, measuring 2.5 × 105 and 1.28 × 109 conidia/mL, respectively. Conversely, V. lacanni was adjudged to be the least efficacious with an LC50 value of 3.29 × 1010 conidia/mL. These results suggest that B. bassiana and M. anisopliae are potential candidates for biocontrol agents against the pest in question. This study presents a promising avenue for combatting pest infestations in stored grain commodities through the implementation of EPF.

A major wheat pest that causes enormous financial losses worldwide is the wheat aphid (Sitobin avenae). Aphid populations has traditionally been controlled with chemical pesticides, but because of their negative effects on the environment and human health, sustainable alternatives must be investigated. In the present study, a comparative evaluation of four fungal biocontrol agents namely Beauveria bassiana, Aspergillus flavus, Trichoderma viride and Metarhizium anisopliae, demonstrated their efficacy against wheat aphids across varying spore concentrations (1 × 10⁴ to 1 × 10¹² cfu/ml) and treatment durations (2–10 days). Aphids mortality was consistently increased with increase in biocontrol’s spore concentration and exposure time. For B. bassiana, maximum mortality (80%) was observed at 1 × 10¹² cfu/ml after 10 days. Similarly, A. flavus showed the highest mortality (77%) at the same concentration and time duration. T. viride and M. anisopliae also caused significant mortality of aphids (60% and 67% respectively) under the same conditions. Lower spore concentrations and time duration exhibited proved less efficient. In conclusion, B. bassiana exhibited the highest aphid mortality, highlighting its potential as an effective biocontrol agent.

Brushite, or Dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (CaHPO4·2H2O), is a well-known calcium phosphate (CaP) found in mineralized tissues and is utilized in medical treatment, particularly in bone powder for bone repair. Brushites with Zn2+ and Ag + ions concentration were synthesized in an aqueous solution using the conventional precipitation procedure. The synthesized brushites were characterized using techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and bioassays were carried out to evaluate their antibacterial and antifungal activities. The alterations in PXRD and FTIR peak locations demonstrated that zinc and silver ions were effectively inserted into the brushite crystals. Initial tests revealed that the powders were innocuous, which make them potentially beneficial for mineralized tissue engineering. These brushites exhibited remarkable antimicrobial activities. Zn-doped brushite completely controlled the growth of fungi namely Macrophomina phaseolina and Sclerotium rolfsii at a concentration of 0.0039 mg mL−1 while Ag-doped brushite completely arrested the growth of these fungi at 0.0312 and 0.0039 mg mL−1, respectively. Likewise, both the brushite exhibited remarkable antibacterial activity against Bacillus thuringiensis and moderate activity against Escherichia coli. Brushite compounds coupled with active metal ions, notably Ag+ and Zn2+, demonstrated promise as a distinct class of reactive materials for bone-related applications.

Brushite, or Dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (CaHPO4 & sdot;2H2O), 4 & sdot;2H 2 O), is a well-known calcium phosphate (CaP) found in mineralized tissues and is utilized in medical treatment, particularly in bone powder for bone repair. Brushites with Zn2+ 2+ and Ag + ions concentration were synthesized in an aqueous solution using the conventional precipitation procedure. The synthesized brushites were characterized using techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and bioassays were carried out to evaluate their antibacterial and antifungal activities. The alterations in PXRD and FTIR peak locations demonstrated that zinc and silver ions were effectively inserted into the brushite crystals. Initial tests revealed that the powders were innocuous, which make them potentially beneficial for mineralized tissue engineering. These brushites exhibited remarkable antimicrobial activities. Zn-doped brushite completely controlled the growth of fungi namely Macrophomina phaseolina and Sclerotium rolfsii at a concentration of 0.0039 mg mL- 1 while Ag-doped brushite completely arrested the growth of these fungi at 0.0312 and 0.0039 mg mL-- 1 , respectively. Likewise, both the brushite exhibited remarkable antibacterial activity against Bacillus thuringiensis and moderate activity against Escherichia coli. Brushite compounds coupled with active metal ions, notably Ag+ + and Zn2+, 2+ , demonstrated promise as a distinct class of reactive materials for bone-related applications.

Nanotechnology holds excessive potential for addressing agricultural challenges such as soil deprivation, nutrient deficiencies, low harvests, and nutrient leaching. Nanofertilizers enable more efficient nutrient absorption by plants due to their enlarged surface area, bestowing viable solutions. Urea-hydroxyapatite hybrid (urea-HA hybrid) was successfully synthesized via a coprecipitation approach by doping nanohydroxyapatite with copper and zinc along with urea. The synthesized nanohybrids were analyzed by applying various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The evidence for the crystalline structure of HA was confirmed by peaks present in XRD analysis at 25.89 degrees, 28.77 degrees, and 32.11 degrees, while urea was validated at 39.29 degrees. The nanosized HA hexagonal nanorods were approximately 16 +/- 1.5 nm, with the incorporation of urea, Cu, and Zn. The components of urea-HA hybrid (Ca, P, C, O, and N) were confirmed by EDS analysis with traces of Si. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were investigated against phytopathogenic microbes. The nanohybrid significantly inhibits the growth of Clavibacter michiganensis, Xanthomonas campestris, Macrophomina phaseolina, and Sclerotium rolfsii. A fertilization trial using urea-HA hybrid on Citrus limon has demonstrated a growth of 30 cm within 8 weeks of treatment, accompanied by brighter-colored leaves. Thus, the synthesized urea-HA hybrid enabled the slow release of nutrients, which had a significant impact on plant growth and will also effectively manage disease control against phytopathogens. Thus, this innovative approach addresses agricultural challenges regarding nutrient delivery and disease control more effectively.

Bactrocera zonata, commonly known as peach fruit fly, attacks a number of soft fruits such as peach, guava and mango. For its control, entomopathogenic fungi offer a safe and efficient substitute of insecticides, which can lead to pest resistance and environmental pollution. In the present study, four entomopathogenic fungi namely Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Trichoderma harzianum and Verticillium lecanii were tested against male and female adults of B. zonata through in vitro contact bioassay at concentrations of 1×104, 1×106, 1×108, 1×1010, and 1×1012 cfu/ml. Mortality of B. zonata was recorded at 3, 7, 10 and 14-day post-exposure intervals. Results showed that as the concentration of spore/condial suspension of B. bassiana, M. anisopliae, V. lecanii and T. harzianum was increased from 1.0 × 104 to 1.0 × 1012 cfu/ml, LT50 values were decreased from 20.45 to 8.40 , 62.85 to 16.68, 62.85 to 16.68, and 34.09 to 16.42 days for female, and 23.82 to 9.1, 63.80 to 12.65, 63.80 to 12.65 and 29.55 to 13.90 days for male B. zonata, respectively. LC50 values of B. bassiana, M. anisopliae, V. lecanii and T. harzianum against B. zonata decreased from 5.17 × 1016 to 6.36 × 108, 9.33 × 1013 to 5.58 × 109, 3.02 × 1015 to 8.07 × 1011and 4.00 × 1018 to 6.80 × 1013 cfu/ml for female, and from 2.60 × 1015 to 3.03 × 108, 2.26 × 1014 to 1.13 × 109, 3.73 × 1015 to 7.04 × 1010 and 2.67 × 1019 to 1.02 × 1012 cfu/ml for male, respectively, over a period of 3–14 days. On the 14th day, B. zonata males had the highest mortality (84%) due to B. bassiana at 1×1012 cfu/ml, followed by 48%, 59% and 74% mortality due to T. harzianum, V. lecanii and M. anisopliae, respectively. In general, adult female mortality was lower than the adult male mortality. With a moderate to high mortality of B. zonata due to different fungal species, the findings of the present study show that the tested entomopathogenic fungi are highly effective in controlling this pest. Because of their high efficacy against B. zonata, the two fungal species viz. B. bassiana and M. anisopliae can be included in an IPM plan to control B. zonata.

IntroductionTeachers can perceive themselves as a true teacher and act as one only if they have a strong professional identity. This study aimed to identify factors that shape the unique professional identity of basic medical sciences teachers in Pakistan.MethodsA qualitative study was performed using the concepts of phenomenology and purposive sampling. A 20-item text-based interview was conducted by sharing a Google Form link with basic medical sciences teachers from select institutions. Iterative data collection and analysis were performed until data saturation was attained.ResultsA total of 40 participants took part in the study. Nine categories were identified and grouped into two major themes: four personal and five environmental factors. Personal factors included characteristics, preferences, religious values, and professional development. Environmental factors included community of practice, students' feedback, administrative support, work environment, and societal apathy. Among these factors, aptitude, family preference or work-life balance, hard work, dedication, and effect on parenting were more evident in women. By contrast, passion, experience, complacency, and unique identity were the prominent factors.DiscussionCommunity of practice [31 (77%)], passion for teaching [21 (52%)], students' feedback [18 (45%)], work-life balance [16 (40%)], and religious values [13 (32%)] were the primary positive contributors to the identity of basic medical sciences teachers. By contrast, poor administrative support [8 (20%)], negative work environment [11 (27%)], job dissatisfaction [7 (17%)], societal apathy [4 (10%)], and lack of opportunities for professional growth [6 (15%)] negatively impact the professional identity of basic medical sciences teachers.

Macrophomina phaseolina is a wide host ranged soil-borne fungal plant pathogen. It infects more than 500 host plant species belonging to 100 families. Many important oil-seed and leguminous crops are known to be attacked by this devastating plant pathogen. In the present study, antifungal potential of flowers of a leguminous tree Acacia nilotica subsp. indica, was assessed against this pathogen through bioassays guided fractionation. Initially, methanolic extracts of 1 %-5 % of leaf, flower, root-bark and stem-bark of the plant species under consideration were evaluated for their antifungal potential against the target pathogen. Among these, the best antifungal activity was shown by flower extract. The reduction in growth of the test fungal strain was 27-49 %, 4-40 % and 2-27 % due to flower, root-bark and leaf extracts, respectivey, over control. Flower extract was partitioned using n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol as the solvents. Bioassays guided study of these fractions of methanolic extract of flower revealed that high antifungal potential was shown by n-hexane and chloroform fractions against M. phaseolina causing 26-53 % and 28-50 % decline in fungal biomass, respectively, as compared to that of control. GC-MS analysis of chloroform fraction revealed the presence of 27 compounds in this fraction. Among these cyclopentanol,-1-methyl (10.93 %) was the predominant compound followed by methyl, 4,4-dimethyl butanoate (7.04 %), 1-pentanol (6.80 %), 2-propanol, 1-cyclopropyl (6.11 %), 1H,imidazole-4-5-dihydro-2-methyl (5.93 %), trichloroethane (5.91 %), carbonic acid-ethyl hexyl ester (4.59 %), 1,4butandiol,2,3-bis(methylene)- (4.54 %) and [S]-3,4-dimethyl pentanol (4.48 %).

Gladiolus grandiflorus Andrews is among the most popular cut flowers. In the present study, the effect of sowing time on growth, flowering, and corm characteristics of six newly introduced varieties of this cut flower in Pakistan, namely Red Balance, Cartago, Beach Party, Cayenne, Kir Royal, and Almerium, was studied under agro-ecological conditions of Lahore, Pakistan. Corms of these varieties were sown in a field on November 30, December 15 and 31, 2019, with average temperatures of 16, 14, and 12oC, respectively. Sowing dates had significant effects on various vegetative and reproductive characteristics. In general, maximum plant height, leaf width, minimum days to flowering, number of florets per plant, and floret diameter were recorded in plants sown on November 30 (and sometimes on December 15 also), while the lowest values for all these parameters were obtained in plants sown on December 31. The number of cormels were gradually decreased in Beach Party, Cayenne, Kir Royal, and Almerium with the delay of sowing from November 30 to December 15 and 31. On the other hand, in Red Balance, Cartago, the highest number of cormels was recorded on December 31 owing plants. This study concludes that cultivation on November 30 is the most suitable time for most of the gladiolus varieties for the best vegetative and reproductive growth in agro ecological zone of Lahore.

Macrophomina phaseolina is a soil-borne plant pathogen that is highly destructive in nature. It has a vast majority of hosts (more than 500 plant species) including both naturally growing and cultivated crops. In addition, it is also an opportunistic human pathogen also. It causes different types of diseases in plants. Mostly, it causes dry root rot or charcoal rot in many economically important plant species such as mungbean, mash bean, soybean, chickpea, cotton, sunflower, maize, strawberry, and many others. In addition, it also causes damping-off, stem blight, leaf blight, and pod rot in some susceptible plant species. It is difficult to control because of production of sclerotia. So far, no registered fungicide is available for its complete control.

Continuous microwave-assisted flow synthesis has been used as a simple, more efficient, and low-cost route to fabricate a range of nanosized (<100 nm) strontium-substituted calcium phosphates. In this study, fine nanopowder was synthesized via a continuous flow synthesis with microwave assistance from the solutions of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate (with strontium nitrate as Sr2+ ion source) and diammonium hydrogen phosphate at pH 10 with a time duration of 5 min. The morphological characterization of the obtained powder has been carried out by employing techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis. The chemical structural analysis to evaluate the surface properties was made by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Zeta potential analysis was performed to evaluate the colloidal stability of the particles. Antimicrobial studies were performed for all the compositions using four bacterial strains and an opportunistic human fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina. It was found that the nanoproduct with high strontium content (15 wt% of strontium) showed pronounced antibacterial potential against M. luteus while it completely arrested the fungal growth after 48 h by all of its concentrations. Thus the synthesis strategy described herein facilitated the rapid production of nanosized Sr-substituted CaPs with excellent biological performance suitable for a bone replacement application.