PJB-2023-442
EXPLORING INORGANIC SALTS AS PROSPECTIVE ANTIFUNGAL AGENTS TARGETING SEPTORIA LEAF BLOTCH OF WHEAT
Muhammad Atiq
Abstract
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) serving as the staple diet for 66% of the world's population ranks as the second most vital cereal crop. However, the pervasive presence of Septoria leaf blotch in wheat, attributed to the pathogenic agent Septoria tritici, presents a substantial threat to the successful cultivation of wheat crops. The manifestation of necrotic blotches accompanied by diminutive, dark brown, pinhead-sized spots on the leaves has significantly hampered wheat production, resulting in yield losses ranging from 31% to 53%. To combat this fungal threat, inorganic salts were exploited in the laboratory and greenhouse by using Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Field experiments were designed under Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). In vitro, results unveiled K2CO3 with maximum fungal growth inhibition (35.962 %) followed by Na2SiO3 (31.095%), K2SiO3 (26.095%), Na3PO4 (21.236%), and KCl (17.075%) as compared to control. The potent inorganic salts explored in laboratory experiments were evaluated in the greenhouse and field. Greenhouse analysis explored K2CO3 (25.553%) with minimum disease incidence (%) followed by Na2SiO3 (31.663%) and K2SiO3 (37.183%) as compared to untreated check (54.621%). In vivo, revelation also demonstrated potassium carbonate as the most significant antifungal agent among all tested inorganic salts. Consequently, it is strongly recommended for utilization as a preventative treatment to mitigate the prevalence of Septoria leaf blotch in wheat, offering a promising solution to safeguard wheat crop yields.
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