Studies On Fungal Pathogen Alternaria Perpunctulata GVKNSV7 Causing Leaf Spot Disease On Alternanthera Philoxeroides Mart Griseb From Kakumanu Mandal Guntur Dist Andhra Pradesh India

Abstract

Weed infestation is a significant concern in agriculture, affecting crop yield, newlineecosystem balance, and biodiversity. Kakumanu Mandal, located in Guntur dis, Andhra newlinePradesh, India. faces similar challenges due to weed proliferation. Understanding the newlinetaxonomic composition, ecological dynamics, and isolation of phytopathogenic fungi newlinein this region is essential for devising effective management strategies and exploring newlinepotential applications in agriculture and medicine. A comprehensive survey of weed newlinespecies was conducted in Kakumanu Mandal, employing meticulous fieldwork and newlinerigorous scientific analysis. A total of 149 distinct weed species spanning 105 genera newlineand 38 families were identified through taxonomic classification. Importance Value newlineIndex (IVI) calculations were performed to assess species abundance, frequency and newlinedensity across three field sites within the Mandal. Molecular techniques, including newlineDNA amplification and BLAST analysis, were utilized for fungal identification, newlineparticularly focusing on Alternaria perpunctulata GVKNSV7. Phytochemical analysis, newlineantimicrobial assays, enzyme screening, antagonistic activity assessments, and in-vitro newlineanti-cancer assays were conducted to characterize the bioactive properties of A. newlineperpunctulata GVKNSV7 and its potential applications. The survey revealed intriguing newlinepatterns in weed species abundance, frequency and density across different genera. newlineAmong the 149 identified species, 27 were monocotyledons, 1 pteridophyte and 43 newlinewere dicotyledonous, highlighting the diversity of the botanical landscape in newlineKakumanu Mandal. Genera such as Alternanthera, Ipomoea, Cyperus, and Convolvulus newlineexhibited notable presence within the weed flora, hosting multiple recorded species. newlineThe ITS region of fungal DNA was successfully amplified and analyzed, newlineconfirming A. perpunctulata as a causative agent of leaf spot disease in Alternanthera newlinephiloxeroides. BLAST analysis showed a compelling 98.54% similarity with A. newlineperpunctulata CBS 115267(NR 151838.1), (KC584210), and JN383498, validating