Upgrading antifungal properties of cultivated basil (ocimum gratissimum l.) through soil amendments

Abstract

Fungal infections have been on the rise, prompting a search for alternative control methods due to concerns about resistance, environmental persistence, and adverse effects of synthetic fungicides on non-target organisms. Basil (Ocimum gratissimum) has been recognized for its antifungal properties and widespread usage. Meeting the high demand for basil necessitates commercial production, typically requiring soil amendments. However, the specific soil amendment best suited to enhance basil's antifungal properties remains unknown. This study aims to identify the type of soil amendment for cultivating basil with heightened fungicidal efficacy. Poultry, cattle, and goat manure, along with NPK fertilizer, were utilized as soil amendments for a four-month basil cultivation experiment. Beds measuring 1m x 2m were allocated for each treatment in a randomized complete block design, with five treatments and three replicates. Basil leaf extracts obtained from each soil amendment type were serially diluted to varying concentrations, combined with molten agar, and poured into separate Petri dishes. Fungal inoculum was then introduced to assess the inhibitory effects of basil extracts. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the extracts was determined as the lowest concentration of extracts which inhibit the visible growth of the fungi. Results indicated that poultry manure was the most effective soil amendment for enhancing basil's antifungal capacity.