ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Harnessing the power of Sacha inchi leaf extract against fruit anthracnose disease
1
Biological Control Programme, Agrobiodiversity and Environment Research Centre, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
2
Agricultural Science Department, Faculty of Technical and Vocational, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjong Malim, Perak, Malaysia
A - Research concept and design; B - Collection and/or assembly of data; C - Data analysis and interpretation; D - Writing the article; E - Critical revision of the article; F - Final approval of article
Submission date: 2025-02-20
Acceptance date: 2025-05-26
Online publication date: 2026-02-27
Corresponding author
Siti Fairuz Yusoff
Agricultural Science Department, Faculty of Technical and Vocational, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjong Malim, Perak, Malaysia
Agricultural Science Department, Faculty of Technical and Vocational, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjong Malim, Perak, Malaysia
HIGHLIGHTS
- Sacha inchi extract suppresses Colletotrichum spp. growth at 500 mg/mL
- GCMS reveals antifungal fatty acids in Sacha inchi for natural disease control
- An eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides for managing anthracnose in crops
KEYWORDS
anthracnose diseaseantifungal activityColletotrichum sppphytoanticipinsphytochemicalsSacha inchisustainable plant protection
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Anthracnose disease, primarily caused by Colletotrichum species, poses significant challenges
to fruit production, resulting in serious global economic losses. While chemical fungicides
are effective, their environmental and health risks underscore the need for sustainable
alternatives. This study evaluated the antifungal potential of Sacha inchi (Plukenetia
volubilis) leaf ethanol extract against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, C. scovillei, and C. acutatum.
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) analysis identified 20 chemical
constituents, including bioactive compounds such as unsaturated fatty acids and saturated
fatty acids known for their antimicrobial properties. In vitro assays demonstrated a dosedependent
inhibition of mycelial growth, with complete suppression of C. gloeosporioides
at 500 mg · l–1. The antifungal activity is likely attributed to the extract’s ability to disrupt
fungal cell membranes and interfere with metabolic pathways. These findings support the
potential of Sacha inchi leaf extract as a promising, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic
fungicides in the management of anthracnose disease in fruit crops. Further research into
its field application, synergistic effects, and mechanisms of action is warranted to enhance
its integration into sustainable crop protection strategies.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We extend our sincere gratitude to Teknika Resources
for funding this research (Project code: 2024-0011-
103-29), MARDI for their research collaboration, and
the Research Management and Innovation Centre
(RMIC), UPSI, for ongoing support.
FUNDING
Project code: 2024-0011- 103-29
RESPONSIBLE EDITOR
Dzarifah Zulperi
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors have declared that no conflict of interests exist.
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