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Fenugreek extract application improves plant performance of Alternaria solani infected tomato plants

Plant extracts (PE’s) has emerged as a safer alternative to manage the fungal pathogens affecting tomato productivity. The current study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of methanolic fenugreek extract against Alternaria solani, a causal agent of early blight disease in tomato. Fenugreek extract was used at different concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% under in vitro conditions. Results concluded that 25% fenugreek extract significantly reduced the radial growth (2.5 cm) of A. solani under in vitro conditions. Based on in vitro results, three concentrations (5%, 15% and 25%) of fenugreek extract was examined under greenhouse and field conditions. The outcomes expressed that 5% fenugreek extract reduced the disease severity up to 30.19% under greenhouse conditions and up to 40.53% under field trials. Although, application of fenugreek extract had exhibited non-significant impact on vegetative and reproductive growth parameters. However, its application had proved better results as compared to those plants which are infected with A. solani but received zero application of fenugreek extract. Furthermore, the effectiveness of plant extracts was evaluated by variant photosynthetic, antioxidative, polyphenolic and hypersensitive response of A. solani affected tomato plants. The 25% fenugreek extract application had augmented the chlorophyll pigments along with the significant increment of superoxide dismutase (174.16 U mg-1 protein), peroxidase (7.61 µmol min-1 g-1 protein) and catalase activity (4.73 nmol min-1 g-1 protein). Similar outcomes were observed regarding phenolic compounds, where 5% fenugreek extract application had enhanced flavonoid levels (26.62 mg QuE g-1), tannins (1.28 mg TE g-1 extract) and total phenolic contents (2.39 mg GAE g-1) in tomato leaves demonstrating its protective effect against early blight. In dose response, 25% fenugreek extract was most effective in reducing lipid peroxidation and enhancing H2O2 levels. The outcomes of study exhibited the fenugreek extract as an effective strategy to be used against A. solani to control early blight infection in tomato plants. Thus, it can serve as suitable fungicide alternative for resource-poor agriculture areas mainly in developing countries.