Effectiveness of Lagnob (Ficus septica) crude leaf extract as a potential biological control agent against the eggplant blight pathogens (Phomopsis vexans)

This study investigates the potential of Lagnob (Ficus septica) crude leaf extract as a biological control agent against Phomopsis vexans, the primary fungal pathogen responsible for Eggplant blight. The Lagnob is a widespread plant whose leaf extract contains bioactive compounds with antifungal properties due to alkaloid and phenolic compounds, which are antioxidants. Phomopsis vexans is a pathogenic fungus that causes Phomopsis blight on Eggplants, a plant disease. Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is one of the cultivated plants that frequently displays symptoms of Phomopsis blight. The focus of this research was to evaluate whether Ficus septica leaf extract could inhibit the growth of P. vexans on Eggplant. The antifungal activity of F. septica leaf extract against P. vexans were measured using the disc diffusion test. Using an experimental research design, different concentrations of Lagnob extract were applied to fungal cultures in vitro to assess their inhibitory effect on Phomopsis vexans mycelial growth. A commercial fungicide served as a Positive control, and distilled water was used as a Negative control. The mycelial length of Phomopsis vexans was measured across treatments, which shows a dose-dependent response; higher concentrations of Lagnub extract significantly reduced fungal growth. At 100% concentration, the extract achieved an inhibition rate comparable to the commercial fungicide, suggesting its potential as an effective and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides. These findings support further investigation into the practical applications of Lagnob extract in sustainable agriculture and its potential integration into integrated pest management (IPM) programs