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Control of Anthracnose and Gray Mold in Pepper Plants Using Culture Extract of White-rot Fungus and Active Compound Schizostatin

Summary

This research discovered that extracts from a common white-rot fungus can effectively control harmful plant diseases in pepper crops without using synthetic chemical pesticides. This natural solution could help farmers protect their crops in a more environmentally friendly way. Impact on everyday life: – Provides safer, chemical-free options for growing vegetables – Could lead to reduced pesticide residues on food crops – Helps protect environmental health by reducing chemical pesticide use – Supports sustainable and organic farming practices – Could lead to development of new natural plant protection products

Background

Chili pepper is an important vegetable crop worldwide, commonly used for seasoning in Asian countries. Diseases like anthracnose and gray mold caused by fungal pathogens are serious threats to pepper cultivation, leading to significant crop losses. While chemical fungicides are commonly used, they are toxic to humans and animals and can lead to pathogen resistance and environmental contamination. This has created a need for eco-friendly alternatives for disease control.

Objective

To evaluate the potential of culture filtrate (CF) from white-rot fungus Schizophyllum commune and its active compound schizostatin as natural biochemical pesticides for controlling anthracnose and gray mold diseases in pepper plants. The study aimed to analyze the antimicrobial activities of the CF against various plant pathogens and assess its disease control efficacy both in laboratory and field conditions.

Results

The CF significantly inhibited mycelial growth of various fungal pathogens but showed no effect against bacterial pathogens. Treatment with 25% CF provided 95.5% control of anthracnose and 96% control of gray mold in detached pepper fruits. In field conditions, 12.5% CF reduced anthracnose incidence to 20% compared to 65% in untreated controls. The active compound schizostatin showed strong antifungal activity, with LC50 values of 40 μg/mL for C. gloeosporioides and 95 μg/mL for B. cinerea.

Conclusion

The culture filtrate from S. commune and its active compound schizostatin demonstrated significant potential as eco-friendly natural products for controlling fungal plant diseases, particularly anthracnose and gray mold in pepper plants. This is the first report showing plant disease control efficacy using CF and active compound from white-rot fungus, suggesting their potential development as biochemical pesticides.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Laboratory and Field Trial,
  • Source: 10.1080/12298093.2018.1551833
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