Morphological characterization of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causing fruit rot of papaya and its management using biopesticides

Article Information

Title: Morphological characterization of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causing fruit rot of papaya and its management using biopesticides

Authors: Rubina Rafiq, Hira Fatima

Journal: Journal of Agriculture and Biology

HEC Recognition History

Category	From	To
Y	2024-10-01	2025-12-31

Publisher: Agribiol (SMC-Private) Limited

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2023

Volume: 1

Issue: 2

Language: English

DOI: 10.55627/agribiol.001.02.0652

Keywords: PakistanManagementPapayaSclerotinia sclerotiorumFruit rot diseases

Abstract

Papaya is an important fruit crop and susceptible to several post-harvest diseases at every stage of its life cycle. Papaya fruit rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a serious postharvest disease that results in significant losses both in storage and on the market. Papaya fruit that was gathered from several Lahore fruit marketplaces was the subject of the studies. Based on physical and cultural traits, diseased papaya fruits were separated and identified. The virus developed mycelial colonies on PDA media that were sparse and creamy white. These colonies ultimately became fluffy and light brown. Sclerotia began to appear after three days of mycelial growth, and after seven days, they were fully visible in the shape of rings or distributed across the mycelial surface of the Petri plate. This allowed for the calculation of the frequency of isolated fungi. It was recorded maximum percentage of S. sclerotiorum (58%) was recorded followed by Alternaria alternata (21.5 %) and Aspergillus niger (10.0 %), while Penicillum spp. was least isolated fungi with a mean value of 5.00%. The assessment of different plant extracts including (Cascabela thevetia, Euphorbia milii, Moringa oleifera, Plumeria rubra, Quisqualis indica, Syzygium aromaticum) was done with Agar Well Diffusion Technique under CRD design. The findings showed that of the medicinal plants that were extracted using methanol and ethanol, Moringa oleifera and Syzygium aromaticum showed significant results at higher concentrations and showed maximum zone of inhibition while Cascabela thevetia was least effective against S. sclerotiorum.

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Research Objective

To isolate Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causing fruit rot in papaya and to evaluate the efficacy of various plant extracts as biopesticides for its management.

Methodology

Diseased papaya fruits were collected from local markets. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum was isolated and identified based on morphological and cultural characteristics on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media. Six medicinal plants (Cascabela thevetia, Euphorbia milii, Moringa oleifera, Plumeria rubra, Quisqualis indica, Syzygium aromaticum) were extracted using methanol and ethanol. The antifungal activity of these extracts against S. sclerotiorum was assessed in vitro using the agar well diffusion technique at various concentrations (5, 15, 25, and 50 µg/mL). Statistical analysis was performed using MSTAT-C with ANOVA and LSD tests.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Collection of Diseased Papaya Fruits] --> B[Isolation of Pathogen on PDA];
    B --> C[Identification of S. sclerotiorum];
    C --> D[Preparation of Plant Extracts];
    D --> E[Antifungal AssayAgar Well Diffusion];
    E --> F[Data Analysis ANOVA, LSD];
    F --> G[Conclusion on Biopesticide Efficacy];

Discussion

The morphological and cultural characteristics of the isolated S. sclerotiorum align with previous research. The study highlights the potential of Moringa oleifera and Syzygium aromaticum extracts as natural alternatives to synthetic fungicides for managing papaya fruit rot, thereby reducing environmental and consumer health risks. The findings contribute to understanding and managing this disease in Pakistan.

Key Findings

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum was the most frequently isolated fungus from diseased papaya fruits (58%), followed by Alternaria alternata (21.5%), Aspergillus niger (10.0%), Rhizopus stolonifera (7.00%), and Penicillium spp. (5.00%). Both ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera and Syzygium aromaticum showed significant antifungal activity against S. sclerotiorum, with the highest inhibition zones observed at the highest concentrations. Cascabela thevetia was found to be the least effective.

Conclusion

Extracts from Syzygium aromaticum and Moringa oleifera show promise as effective biopesticides against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, offering a sustainable approach to managing post-harvest papaya rot.

Fact Check

1. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum was the most frequently isolated fungus from diseased papaya fruits, accounting for 58% of isolations.
2. Moringa oleifera and Syzygium aromaticum extracts demonstrated significant antifungal activity against S. sclerotiorum.
3. The study was conducted in Pakistan, with papaya fruits collected from Lahore fruit marketplaces.

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