Methods for inhibiting fungal secondary metabolisms are described. Secondary metabolisms inhibited by the methods can include those responsible for expression of mycotoxins. Methods can include inhibition of secondary metabolisms without inhibiting fungal growth. As such, the methods can be utilized in preventing fungal-caused destruction of plant species (e.g., crop species) without undesirable consequences to plant health and local environments due to complete destruction of the fungal presence and growth. Disclosed methods encompass utilization of silver nanoparticles in inhibition of secondary metabolism at concentrations that are much lower than those typically used in toxicological and ecotoxicological studies.
