Evaluation of fungicidal efficacy of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf extract against Fusarium wilt in wheat

Abstract

Horticultural and agricultural crops are ruined by numerous fungi, resulting in economic losses and health risks to consumers due to the toxins that fungi produce. Plant resistance has arisen as a result of the uncontrolled use of synthetic chemicals, necessitating the use of greater quantities, resulting in an increase in toxicity in food stuffs. Plant metabolites seem to be one of the best alternatives because they have a lower environmental impact and pose less risk to consumers than synthetic fungicides. The objective of this study is to determine the in vivo and in vitro fungicidal effectiveness of the PKM-2 variety of M. oleifera leaf extract (PKM-2 MOLE) as a fungicide against Fusarium oxysporum, the etiology of wilting in wheat seedlings. PKM-2 MOLE suppressed fungal growth in vitro. There was a significant decrease in illness incidence (78.1%, 69.4%, and 54.1%) and severity (72.2%, 62.1%, and 47.2%) after treatment with PKM-2 MOLE at doses varying from 250 to 1000 mg/kg. Various quantities of PKM-2 MOLE led to an increase in photosynthetic activity, polyphenol content, and antioxidant properties. Plants treated with PKM-2 MOLE produced more antioxidant and defense enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL). The activities of β-1, 3-glucanase, and chitinase were measured in control and diseased wheat seedlings grown at 10, 20, and 30 days. Plants infected with pathogens were shown to have more activity than control plants. Overall, our results revealed that PKM-2 MOLE is a great alternative for biological destruction of fungal infections, thus reducing dependence on synthetic fungicides.