Rhizoctonia solani is a species of fungus in the order Cantharellales. Basidiocarps (fruit bodies) are thin, effused, and web-like, but the fungus is more typically encountered in its anamorphic state, as hyphae and sclerotia. The inability of contaminated seeds to germinate, or "damping off," is the most typical sign of rhizoctonia. R. solani can destroy extremely young seedlings shortly after they emerge from the soil, or it can enter the seed before it has germinated to induce this pre-emergent damping down. Bio-nanoparticles can have positive environmental effects, such as reduced toxicity and increased solubility of pesticides. However, it's important to use nanotechnology responsibly, as there are concerns about environmental and non-target organism safety. Nanoparticles can help plants resist disease by activating their defense mechanisms or deactivating microbes.