Antifungal Potential of Terpenes from Spondias Purpurea L. Leaf Extract against Moniliophthora Perniciosa that causes Witches Broom Disease of Theobroma Cacao

Abstract

The present in vitro study evaluates antifungal properties of Spondias purpurea plant extract against Moniliophthora perniciosa. Fractions of Ethanol Crude Extracts (CE) from S. purpurea were tested for their antifungal activity. CE inhibited mycelial growth of M. perniciosa by 60%at a dose of 10 mg/mL, while survival of broken hyphae of the fungus was inactivated by 90% at a dose of 8 mg/mL. Fractionation of CE yielded a terpene containing sub fraction (FA) with the highest fungicidal activity. FA acted as oxidant and its application induced oxidative stress in M. perniciosa that may be the responsible for the observed induced cell death. The chromatographic profile obtained with FA of S. purpurea revealed a variety of terpenes, which included Spathulenol (14.2%), Linolenic acid (8.4%), trans Caryophyllene (6.9%), and Alpha-muurolene (6.9%).This study describes for the first time effects of terpenes of S. purpurea related to induced oxidative stress in fungus. S. purpurea, therefore, may be a natural source for isolation of antifungal compounds against M. perniciosa. This characteristic may be useful in application as botanical fungicide in biological control.