DefinePK

Research Objective

To investigate the antifungal potential of Ocimum basilicum L. extract against Bipolaris sorokiniana under both in vitro and greenhouse conditions.

Methodology

The study involved preparing methanolic and aqueous extracts of Ocimum basilicum. Antifungal activity was assessed in vitro using the well diffusion method. Greenhouse experiments were conducted using wheat seedlings, where treatments included control, Bipolaris sorokiniana inoculation, Ocimum basilicum extract alone, and combined treatments. Disease index, antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, POD, CAT), dry biomass, and 100-grain weight were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using R and Minitab software.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Prepare Ocimum basilicum extracts methanolic, aqueous] --> B[In vitro antifungal assay];
    B --> C[Greenhouse Pot Trial];
    C --> D[Inoculate wheat seedlings with B. sorokiniana];
    C --> E[Apply Ocimum basilicum extract];
    D & E --> F[Assess Disease Index];
    D & E --> G[Measure antioxidant enzyme activities SOD, POD, CAT];
    D & E --> H[Measure yield parameters Dry biomass, 100-grain weight];
    F & G & H --> I[Statistical Analysis];
    I --> J[Conclusion];                    

Discussion

The results suggest that Ocimum basilicum possesses potent antifungal properties against Bipolaris sorokiniana, likely due to its bioactive compounds. The modulation of antioxidant enzymes indicates that the plant extract helps wheat seedlings cope with oxidative stress induced by the pathogen. The observed improvements in yield parameters further support the efficacy of Ocimum basilicum as a potential bio-control agent.

Key Findings

The methanolic extract of Ocimum basilicum showed significant antifungal activity, causing 100% inhibition of Bipolaris sorokiniana mycelial growth in vitro at 100% concentration. In greenhouse trials, the 100% methanolic extract significantly reduced the disease index by 97%. It also enhanced dry biomass by 17% and 100-grain weight by 39% compared to control plants with pathogenic inoculation. The extract modulated antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, POD, CAT) in infected wheat seedlings.

Conclusion

Foliar application of Ocimum basilicum methanolic extract effectively reduced Bipolaris sorokiniana infection in wheat and improved yield parameters. The study concludes that Ocimum basilicum contains bioactive compounds with promising antifungal potential that warrant further exploration.

Fact Check

1. 100% inhibition of mycelial growth: The study reports 100% inhibition of Bipolaris sorokiniana mycelial growth by the 100% methanolic extract of Ocimum basilicum in the well diffusion method.
2. 97% reduction in disease index: The 100% methanolic extract significantly reduced the disease index in wheat seedlings by 97% when challenged with Bipolaris sorokiniana.
3. 39% enhancement in 100-grain weight: The 100% methanolic extract of Ocimum basilicum enhanced the 100-grain weight by 39% compared to control plants with pathogenic inoculation only.

Mind Map