ANTIFUNGAL POTENTIAL OF ACHYRANTHES ASPERA TANNINS AND GINGER EXTRACTS: A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO COMBAT SEEDBORNE FUNGAL CONTAMINATION

Abstract

Seed-borne fungi can be detected through various methods, including in vitro cultures. Synthetic fungicides are commonly used for contamination control, but they pose environmental risks. This study explored the antifungal potential of Achyranthes aspera callus cultures, along with Ginger and Neem extracts, to mitigate seed-borne fungal contamination in a sterile environment. Fungal-induced seed discoloration was assessed using the Blotter and Towel methods. Aspergillus niger caused the most severe black spot discoloration, followed by dark brown discoloration from Aspergillus alternata, dark black from Mucor hiemalis f. corticola, and creamy discoloration from Pseudomonas aphidis. A. niger dominated the seed coat, while M. hiemalis f. corticola was prevalent in the embryo. To control fungal contamination, fresh Ginger and Neem extracts were tested alongside a synthetic fungicide. Additionally, the antifungal activity of A. aspera extracts from leaves, stems, root seedlings, and callus cultures grown on different media and extracted using various solvents was evaluated against A. niger and F. solani. Traditionally valued for its medicinal properties, A. aspera is a promising candidate for bioactive antifungal compound development. Callus cultures, known for their controlled production of secondary metabolites, exhibited potent antifungal activity, particularly due to tannins. Methanol and petroleum ether extracts from leaf and root callus cultures grown in MSDN and MSDI media showed varying inhibition levels. The petroleum ether extract of MSDN leaf callus culture exhibited the highest inhibition against A. niger, while the chloroform extract of MSDI root callus culture had the lowest inhibition against F. solani. Overall, A. aspera callus cultures and fresh plant extracts demonstrated strong antifungal potential, offering eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides and supporting their further investigation for sustainable agriculture.