Fungicidal activity of plants of Jammu region against chickpea wilt; Fusarium oxysporum

Abstract

Jammu region is endowed with a rich floral diversity that can be explored for their potential pesticidal activity. In this pursuit, a project was formulated and plant materials were collected from all the agro-climatic zones of Jammu region (sub-tropical, semi-temperate and temperate). Collections were done based on their medicinal properties as informed by the local people. The plant materials were then shade dried and various fractions were prepared using different solvents (Hexane, Acetone and Ethanol) by refluxing, distillation and fractionation. Among the 36 different fractions of plants / plant parts assessed for toxicity against Fusarium oxysporum, Arisaema flavum roots / tubers hexane fraction recorded lowest radial growth of 5.0 mm followed by its acetone fraction (7.0 mm), A. flavum stem + Leaves hexane (7.0 mm) and Boerrhavia diffusa roots hexane fraction (7.0 mm). Accordingly, the per cent inhibition also varied, being the highest in A. flavum roots / tubers hexane (94.44%) followed by its acetone fraction (92.22%), A. flavum stem + leaves hexane fraction (92.22%) and B. diffusa roots hexane fraction (92.22%). These fractions have great potential to be further developed as botanical pesticide that may be utilized to reduce the pesticidal load in the environment. This shall also help in mitigating the climate change impact, to some extent.