The Use of Clove and Galangal Medicinal Plant Extracts to Control Fungi from Rotten Peanut Pods, Nikhom Sang Ton Eng Subdistrict, Mueang District, Lopburi Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study the efficacy of essential oil extracts from medicinal plants, clove and galangal in inhibiting fungi causing peanut pod rot. The research was divided into three activities: 1) isolation and identification of fungi from rotten peanut pods, 2) testing the efficacy of extracts in inhibiting fungi, and 3) field trial evaluation. Results showed that 10 isolates were obtained, with dominant isolates No.1(1), No.3(2), and No.3(5) identified as Aspergillus spp.
Testing the efficacy of essential oil extracts from clove, galangal, and clove+galangal at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 percent revealed that clove extract had the strongest inhibitory effect against fungi. At 50% concentration, it could inhibit fungi isolates No.1(1), No.3(2), and No.3(5) by 68.27±1.42%, 71.79±1.81%, and 71.15±1.23%, respectively. Field spraying tests with 50% (w/w) clove oil showed disease severity reduction comparable to carbendazim treatment. Technology transfer evaluation found that participants had the highest levels of knowledge/understanding, satisfaction, and practical application at 4.82±0.39, 4.78±0.46 and 4.86±0.39, respectively.
This research demonstrates the potential of medicinal plant extracts in controlling pathogenic fungi in peanuts and provides an alternative to reduce chemical usage.