Abstract

The present study was successful in demonstrating the inhibitory activity of the medicinal plant Muntingia calabura against Alternaria Solani that causes early blight of tomato and proposes the development of a new botanical formulation (Muntingin 5EC) and its use in plant disease management after package and practice. This ecofriendly botanical formulation was developed from the purified antimicrobial metabolite (Stigmasterol) isolated from the methanol extract of M. calabura root. Different concentrations of Muntingin 5EC was examined on seed infection, germination and seedling vigour of tomato and it was found that two per cent Muntingin 5EC increased the germination and vigour and reduced the early leaf blight infection in tomato seed to a significant extent. Application of Muntingin 5EC increased the enzymes activity such as peroxidase (PO), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and phenol content of tomato. Muntingin 5EC (2%) was found to be the optimum concentration for the control of early blight of tomato under pot culture conditions. Application of this botanical in plant disease management assumes special significance by being an ecofriendly and cost effective strategy, which can be used in integration with other strategies for a greater levels of protection with sustained crop yields after sufficient evaluation.

Keywords: Alternaria solani, Botanical fungicide, Muntingia calabura, Muntingin 5EC, Plant diseases management.