Solvent-dependent antifungal activity of Urtica dioica extracts against soil-borne phytopathogens
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71336/jabs.1590Keywords:
Urtica dioica, plant extracts, antifungal activity, soil-borne pathogens, solvent effectAbstract
The increasing concerns over environmental risks and resistance development associated with synthetic fungicides have intensified the search for alternative disease management strategies. In this study, the in vitro antifungal activity of methanol and ethanol extracts of Urtica dioica L. was evaluated against three economically important soil-borne phytopathogens, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia minor, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Extracts were tested at four concentrations (100, 1000, 1500, and 2000 mg mL⁻¹) using the agar dilution method, and mycelial growth inhibition was measured at 3, 5, and 7 days of incubation.
The results showed that antifungal activity was significantly influenced by extract concentration, solvent type, and incubation period. Inhibition increased in a dose-dependent manner across all pathogens. Methanol extracts exhibited higher antifungal activity than ethanol extracts, particularly during early incubation stages. Among the tested pathogens, S. sclerotiorum showed the highest sensitivity, whereas R. solani was less susceptible.
However, a decline in antifungal efficacy over time was observed, indicating limitations related to the stability of active compounds. Overall, the findings suggest that Urtica dioica extracts possess potential as plant-based antifungal agents, particularly against Sclerotinia species, although further studies are required to improve their stability and practical applicability.
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