DefinePK

Research Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of ginger and turmeric extracts against common soil-borne pathogens (Fusarium sp. and Rhizoctonia sp.) under in vitro and in vivo conditions as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides.

Methodology

The study involved the preparation of fungal pathogens (Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani) and plant extracts (ginger and turmeric) using methanol. In vitro evaluation was conducted using the poison food technique with three concentrations (30%, 40%, 50%) of each extract against the pathogens. Antifungal activity was assessed by measuring radial growth inhibition. In vivo evaluation focused on the best-performing turmeric extract against Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium oxysporum in tomato plants. Disease severity and plant height were recorded over 21 days.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Prepare Fungal Pathogens Fusarium sp., Rhizoctonia sp.] --> B[Prepare Plant Extracts Ginger, Turmeric];
    B --> C[In vitro Evaluation];
    C --> D[Apply Extracts to PDA Medium];
    D --> E[Inoculate with Pathogens];
    E --> F[Measure Fungal Growth Inhibition];
    F --> G[Select Best Performing ExtractTurmeric];
    G --> H[Prepare Inoculum for In vivo];
    H --> I[Inoculate Tomato Plants];
    I --> J[Apply Turmeric Extract];
    J --> K[Apply Fungicide Control];
    K --> L[Record Disease Severity and Plant Height];
    L --> M[Analyze Results];                    

Discussion

The study highlights the potential of ginger and turmeric extracts as natural biocontrol agents against soil-borne pathogens, aligning with previous research on their bioactive compounds like curcumin and gingerol. The extracts not only inhibited pathogen growth but also appeared to improve plant defense systems and growth in vivo. The findings suggest a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to disease management in agriculture.

Key Findings

Turmeric plant extract significantly inhibited the growth of both Fusarium (74.59%) and Rhizoctonia sp. (73.49%) in vitro, showing a dose-dependent effect. Ginger extract also demonstrated inhibitory effects, though slightly less than turmeric. In vivo, turmeric extract significantly reduced disease severity and incidence caused by Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium sp., and also enhanced plant height compared to the control. Mancozeb (fungicide) showed the highest inhibition in vitro.

Conclusion

Both ginger and turmeric extracts demonstrated significant antifungal activity against Fusarium and Rhizoctonia species in vitro and in vivo. Turmeric extract was found to be more effective than ginger extract. The application of turmeric extract led to reduced disease severity and improved plant growth, supporting its potential as a sustainable agricultural tool.

Fact Check

1. Plant Loss: Plant diseases cause 14.1% of global food crop losses, amounting to $220 billion in agricultural trade losses annually. (Confirmed by Introduction section).
2. Turmeric Inhibition: Turmeric plant extract at 50% concentration showed approximately 74.59% inhibition against Fusarium sp. in vitro. (Confirmed by Results and Discussions section).
3. In vivo Evaluation Time: In vivo evaluation of disease severity and plant height was recorded at 7, 14, and 21 days after inoculation. (Confirmed by Materials and Methods section).

Mind Map