Antifungal activity of three Piper species against Ceratocystis fimbriata in rubber trees

The research aimed to investigate the effect of leaf extracts of Piper cilibracteum, P. curtisii and P. aduncum againts of Ceratocystis fimbriata in vitro. Crude methanolic extract of P. aduncum leaves showed the highest percentage growth inhibition (GIP; 79.38%) than those of P. cilibracteum (37.52%) and P. curtisii (24.31%). Further examination of the leaf extract of P. aduncum with various solvents, we found that the n-hexane extract had the best performance in inhibiting the growth of C. fimbriata (GIP of 73.20%). The Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC)50 and MIC90 of this n-hexane extract towards C. fimbriata were reached at a very low concentration at 165 mg/L and 6999 mg/mL, respectively. The n-hexane leaf extract of P. aduncum is a potential candidate for anti-Ceratocystis agent. Based on Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectra of n-hexane leaves extract of P. aduncum, apiol was identified as a major compound in the extract.HIGHLIGHTS• Leaf extract of P. cilibracteum, P. curtisii and P. aduncum had antifungal against Ceratocystis fimbriata.• N-hexane extract of P. aduncum showed greater growth inhibition to C. fimbriata.• GC-MS spectra of n-hexane extract of P. aduncum showed apiol as a major compound.• Piper aduncum can be considered as an antifungal resource for protection of rubber crops.