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Antifungal Efficacy of Cordyceps militaris-Mycometabolites against major fungal diseases of Withania somnifera
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  • Harshita Gaurav,
  • Divyanshu Yadav,
  • Rakesh Pandey,
  • Pradeep Kumar,
  • Amritesh Chandra Shukla
Harshita Gaurav
University of Lucknow Faculty of Science
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Divyanshu Yadav
University of Lucknow Faculty of Science
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Rakesh Pandey
CSIR - Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
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Pradeep Kumar
University of Lucknow Faculty of Science
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Amritesh Chandra Shukla
University of Lucknow Faculty of Science

Corresponding Author:amriteshcshukla@gmail.com

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Abstract

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), a vital medicinal plant, faces significant losses due to fungal diseases such as root rot, wilt, and leaf spot caused by Fusarium annulatum and Alternaria alstroemeriae. To manage these pathogens, metabolites of Cordyceps militaris were extracted following methods from Vinale et al. (2006) and others, with modifications. These metabolites were tested for antifungal efficacy using the poison food technique. Results showed the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against F. annulatum and A. alstroemeriae were 15 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL, respectively, with cidal effects observed at 20 mg/mL and 30 mg/mL. In-silico investigations revealed that Cordycepin, a metabolite, exhibited strong binding affinity to the fungal chitin synthetase protein. These findings suggest that C. militaris metabolites could serve as a potential alternative to synthetic fungicides, pending further research.
05 Dec 2024Submitted to Journal of Basic Microbiology
20 Dec 2024Submission Checks Completed
20 Dec 2024Assigned to Editor
20 Dec 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
04 Jan 2025Reviewer(s) Assigned