Evaluation of the fungitoxic and fungistatic potential of the root extractsof male papaya plant and female papaya plant (Carica papaya L.)

The fungicidal and fungistatic potential of methanolic root extract of male Carica papaya against Phomopsis vexans which affects egg plants (Solanum melongena L.) leading to the condition called the “Phomopsis blight” was investigated. Result of the experiments revealed that the aqueous extract did not show significant activity, but comparatively the methanol extract of male root demonstrated significant activity against the test fungus. Male methanolic root extract exhibited relatively higher antifungal activity than its female and hermaphrodite form. The extract was also found to be safe on the local algal population, which are one of the most sensitive indicators of toxicity. In summary, the male methanolic root extract can be considered as a potential biocontrol agent in the mitigation of P. vexans in the current scenario. There are no biological agents available for the control of P. vexans and here the present findings are novel in this regard.   Key words: Fungicidal, fungitoxic, Carica papaya, Phomopsis vexans, methanolic extract, algal.