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Cestrum tomentosum L.f. Extracts against Colletotrichum scovillei by Altering Cell Membrane Permeability and Inducing ROS Accumulation

Summary

Researchers found that extracts from the Cestrum tomentosum plant effectively kill a fungus that causes anthracnose disease in chili peppers. The plant extract works by damaging the fungal cell membranes and causing harmful reactive oxygen species to accumulate inside fungal cells. This natural remedy showed strong protective and therapeutic effects when applied to chili pepper fruits, offering a safer alternative to synthetic chemical fungicides.

Background

Chili pepper anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum scovillei is a significant agricultural disease causing substantial yield losses globally. While synthetic fungicides are commonly used, their excessive application poses risks to human health and the environment. Botanical fungicides offer eco-friendly alternatives with rapid degradation and low mammalian toxicity.

Objective

This study investigated the antifungal properties of Cestrum tomentosum L.f. crude extracts (CTCE) against C. scovillei to evaluate its efficacy in inhibiting fungal development stages and determine its mechanisms of action for potential use as a botanical fungicide.

Results

CTCE effectively inhibited conidia germination and germ tube elongation at 40 μg/ml with an EC50 value of 18.81 μg/ml against mycelial growth. In vivo experiments showed 93% protective and 86.4% curative efficacy at 500 μg/ml. Mechanistic studies revealed CTCE disrupted plasma membrane integrity and induced reactive oxygen species accumulation in C. scovillei hyphal cells.

Conclusion

Cestrum tomentosum L.f. crude extracts demonstrate significant antifungal activity against C. scovillei through cell membrane disruption and ROS-mediated mechanisms, showing promise as an eco-friendly botanical fungicide for managing anthracnose in chili peppers. Further research should identify active compounds and confirm molecular mechanisms of action.
  • Published in:Plant Pathology Journal,
  • Study Type:In vitro and In vivo Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.5423/PPJ.OA.07.2024.0105, PMID: 39397302
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