Fungitoxic activity of fruit extracts of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels against plant pathogenic fungi Alternaria alternata and Fusarium oxysporum

Abstract

This study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of fruits of Syzygium cumini, against the mycelial growth of Alternaria alternata and Fusarium oxysporum. The results showed that ethanolic extract at the concentrations of 7.5 and 9 mg/ml completely inhibited the mycelial growth of A. alternata and F. oxysporum, respectively. While the aqueous extract at a highest tested concentration (37.5 mg/ml) exhibited only 27.86 and 37.23% inhibition of mycelial growth of A. alternata and F. oxysporum, respectively. The spore germination assay also showed the complete inhibition of spore germination of A. alternata and F. oxysporum by ethanolic extract at 50 and 60 mg/ml concentrations, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentration was recorded as 0.039 and 0.156 mg/ml in ethanolic extract and 20 and 6.25 mg/ml in aqueous extract against A. alternata and F. oxysporum, respectively. Phytochemical analysis also showed the presence of high amount of phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins.

Keywords:

• fungitoxicity
• Syzygium cumini
• fruit
• Alternaria alternata
• Fusarium oxysporum

Acknowledgement

The authors gratefully acknowledge the Head, School of Studies in Botany, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, for providing necessary laboratory facilities to carry out the research work. The author (MG) is also thankful to seniors for grateful support during experimental work and the writing of the manuscript.