Purification of Gymnema inodorum Leaf Extract and Its Antifungal Potential Against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Resistance of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, the causal agent of mango anthracnose disease, to systemic fungicides is of concern. In this study, we evaluated a suitable extraction method for gymnemic acid content from Gymnema inodorum and its ability to control C. gloeosporioides, the causal agent of mango anthracnose disease. In vitro study of G. inodorum extract and gymnemic acid against the most virulent and carbendazim-resistant C. gloeosporioides isolate was evaluated. The Soxhlet extraction method gave the highest gymnemic acid yield, followed by the aqueous extraction method. The study of the effect of crude extracts from G. inodorum, SP4, MT4, and CR4 at a concentration of 1000 ppm showed significant ability to inhibit C. gloeosporioides mycelia growth by 30.20%, 28.30%, and 26.43%, respectively. The results of the 5000 ppm crude extract effect on spore germination showed that the extract of MT4 and MT6 showed a significant decrease in fungal spores during the test period. Therefore, from the results of this study, G. inodorum extract obtained from the aqueous extract could be used in postharvest disease control of mango. It can also serve as an alternative material for farmers who intend to reduce their use of chemicals. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The National Academy of Sciences, India.