Abstract

The present study successfully demonstrate the inhibitory activity of the medicinal plant, Muntingia calabura against Alternaria solani which 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 were examined on seed infection, germination and seedling vigour of tomato and it was found that two percent Muntingin 5EC increased the germination and vigour and reduced the seed infection in tomato to a significant extent. The formulation was found to possess good emulsion stability and also retain its antimicrobial activity (shelf life) for 120 days. Application of Muntingin 5EC increased the activity of enzyme 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 control of early blight of tomato under pot culture conditions. The root of M. calabura was found to possess good antioxidant activity. Application of this botanical formulation 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 level of protection with sustained crop yields after sufficient evaluation.

Key words: Alternaria solani, botanical formulation, Muntingin 5EC, plant diseases control.