Phytochemical analysis of botanical extract from spices (Clove, Cinnamon, Thyme) and weeds (Parthenium and Calotropis) and effect on plantpathogenic fungi

Plant diseases are of paramount significance to human beings because they damage plants and plant products on which humanpopulation depend for food and otherwise. Their influences on human welfare range from major catastrophes to minor annoyances. In short term, plant diseases cause economic losses to growers, increase prices of produce to consumers, have direct and severe pathological effects on human and animals. Plant diseases can be divided conveniently into those caused by parasitic microorganisms or pathogens, and ^non parasitic diseases or disorders. Five botanical extracts viz. bud of Clove, bark of Cinnamon, seed of Thyme, leaves of Parthenium and Calotropis in different concentrations i.e. 5%, 10%, 15%, 25% and 25% were analyzed for the presence of secondary metabolites viz. phenolics, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and steroids. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of bioactive components in varying amount in different extracts. All the plant extracts were effective in checking mycelia growth of all plant pathogenic fungi but maximum (100%) inhibition in colony growth of pathogens was observed with ethanolic extract of clove followed by cinnamon, thyme, Parthenium and Calotropis. Therefore in view of eco-friendly management, both spices and weeds can be used as potential antifungal agents who are capable of preventing losses to crops and fruits due to fungal pathogens and will save environment thus formulating integrated disease management. Herbal fungicides are attracting the farmers because of their cost effective and ecofriendly attributes and the weeds have been taken up as the best option.