Optimization of the process for obtaining Morinda royoc crude extract bioactive against phythopathogens

• Published in: Vegetos - International journal of plant research Vol. 37; no. 4; pp. 1336 - 1345
• Main Authors: Linares, Claudia, Cid, Geeisy A., Capdesuner, Yanelis, Buchelle, Manfred, Martinez-Montero, Marcos Edel, Scheer, Christian, Quiñones-Galvez, Janet
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore Springer Nature Singapore 2024
• Subjects: Biomedical and Life Sciences; Life Sciences; Plant Anatomy/Development; Plant Breeding/Biotechnology; Plant Physiology; Antifungal activity; Anthraquinones; Extraction process
• ISSN: 2229-4473; 2229-4473
• DOI: 10.1007/s42535-023-00675-5

Currently, there is an increased search for alternatives to reduce the excessive use of synthetic pesticides in control of pests and diseases in plants. Use of natural plant products is considered an efficient way to reduce the use of these harmful products and achieve the control of phytopathogens in agricultural production. In this sense, Morinda royoc L. is known for the high content of anthraquinones (AQs) in its roots, which have been studied for their distinct bioactivity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to optimize the extraction procedure to obtain crude extracts of M. royoc roots rich in bioactive AQs and to evaluate the antifungal activity in vitro against the fungi Botrytis cinerea , Neofabraea alba and Venturia inaequalis . The extraction procedure by maceration was optimized in terms of extraction time, hydroethanolic mixture and temperature parameters; in vitro inhibitory effect of the obtained extract on mycelial growth and conidial germination of three fungi was evaluated. M. royoc root extract was optimized at 42.31 mg AQs/g dry weight; and its antifungal potential was demonstrated by complete inhibition of conidial germination of B. cinerea , N. alba , and V. inaequalis at concentrations of 4.8 to 2.4 mg/ml; 4.8 to 0.15 mg/ml; and 4.8 to 0.3 mg/ml, respectively. Based on the efficacy of the extract as an in vitro antifungal control, it could be used as a promising product for crop protection.