Antimicrobial
activity of tea (Camellia sinensis) extracts against plant pathogenic
fungi on vegetable crops
Plant pathogenic fungi are causing extensive losses to
most vegetable crops. Internationally there is however a trend to move
away from synthetic pesticides to more environmentally friendly disease
control agents. For this reason there is great interest in research
towards the use of natural plant products for combating plant pests
and diseases.
Project outline:
- Tea extracts will be prepared in the laboratory.
- Selected fungal pathogens of vegetables will be grown in pure
culture.
- The tea extracts will be tested in vitro for activity against
the various fungi by means of a bio-assay procedure.
- Subsequently the tea extracts will be evaluated for its efficacy
in controlling diseases on the plants itself in the greenhouse.
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