Vol. 12, Issue 12 (2023)

Author(s):
Charumathi M, Suthin Raj T, Muthukumar A and Ann Suji H

Abstract:
Marine macroalgae are rich sources of structurally novel and biologically active metabolites that could be used in biological control in the agricultural field. Many bioactive compounds have been identified from marine algae with antimicrobial activity, some of these compounds are sterols, terpenoids, polysaccharides, peptides, proteins, vitamins, acrylic acid, terpenes, chlorophyllides, phenols, heterocyclic compounds, halogenated ketones and alkanes and cyclic polysulphides. The present study is conducted to estimate the antimicrobial potential of extracts of fifteen marine macroalgae. Among 15 seaweed Padina gymnospora at 30% highest concentration was found to be the best in the reduction of mycelial growth and increased the germination percentage under in vitro condition. Application of P. gymnospora, in in vivo in the chilli pot experiment significantly decreased the percent of fruit rot in fruit in 43.43, 60.52 and 71.01% on 80,100 and 120 DAT respectively. Moreover, P. gymnospora enhanced growth performance of chilli plant in terms of shoot length and root length. Interestingly, the seed and air free pathogen treated with P. gymnospora showed significant increase flower compared to the control treatment besides increasing of fruit fresh weights. A considerable antimicrobial activity and the presence of phyto-chemical naphthalene indicated that P. gymnospora can be considered as a source of biocide and a biostimulant against anthracnose plant disease.