A new disease of plumbago zeylanica l.

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: A new disease of plumbago zeylanica l.
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:

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Author:

M. K. Rai


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: A new disease of plumbago zeylanica l.

Year: 1992

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Plumbago zeylanica L., also known as Chitraka, is a valuable medicinal plant belonging to the family Plumbaginaceae and is recognized for its various therapeutic applications in traditional medicine, particularly by local tribes in Madhya Pradesh, India. The plant's powdered seeds are utilized in treating boils and skin diseases. During a survey of phytopathogenic fungi associated with medicinal plants, a new disease affecting Chitraka was discovered in the nursery at Danielson College in August 1991. This report highlights a previously unrecorded host-pathogen interaction in India, namely the disease caused by the fungus Phoma exigua.

Identification of the Pathogen

The disease manifests primarily on the lower leaves of Plumbago zeylanica, starting at the leaf margins and creating pin-head like dots that expand into irregular ashy-grey spots with brownish zonation. Over time, these spots merge to form larger damaged areas, resulting in shot-holes in the leaves. In vitro studies of the pathogen showed that the pycnidia are brownish to grey, globose to flask-shaped, and embedded in the host tissue. The characteristics of the conidia and the growth patterns on malt-agar facilitated the identification of the fungus as Phoma exigua, which is known to be a common fungal pathogen. Pathogenicity tests confirmed that the fungus causes leaf-spot symptoms consistent with those observed in the nursery.

Conclusion

The discovery of Phoma exigua as a pathogen affecting Plumbago zeylanica marks a significant contribution to the understanding of plant health and disease in Indian medicinal flora. This finding underscores the importance of ongoing botanical and phytopathological studies, particularly for plants with significant ethnobotanical uses. The research indicates a need for further investigation into disease management practices to protect the integrity of traditional medicinal plants and their applications in local communities, as well as the potential implications for biodiversity conservation.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What disease affects Plumbago zeylanica as reported in the study?

The study reports a disease of Plumbago zeylanica caused by the fungus Phoma exigua, which is observed for the first time in India.

What are the symptoms of the disease on the plant?

Symptoms include pin-head-like dots on the lower leaves, with spots coalescing into ashy-grey, irregular structures that eventually form shot-holes.

How was the pathogen characterized in the study?

The pathogen was characterized through in vitro studies showing its morphological traits, such as globose to flask-shaped pycnidia and conidia that are hyaline and ellipsoid.

How was the pathogenicity of Phoma exigua confirmed?

Pathogenicity was confirmed by spraying a spore suspension on the plant, resulting in typical leaf-spot symptoms appearing after 10 days.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A new disease of plumbago zeylanica l.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Plumbago zeylanica:
Plumbago zeylanica, commonly known as Chitraka, is a plant of significant medicinal value belonging to the family Plumbaginaceae. Highly regarded in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda, its various preparations are used for treating skin ailments. This plant's pathogen interaction was the focus of the study, highlighting its importance in botany and medicine.

2) Candraprabha (Candraprabhā, Candra-prabha):
Chandraprabha is one of the Ayurvedic formulations that includes Plumbago zeylanica. This preparation is traditionally believed to support health and well-being. The significance of this formulation lies in its usage among certain communities, reflecting the broader cultural practices surrounding medicinal plants and their therapeutic applications in Indian traditional medicine.

3) Sudarshana (Sudarśana, Sudarsana):
Sudarshana refers to another Ayurvedic formulation that incorporates Plumbago zeylanica among various other herbs. Its utilization in traditional healing practices signifies the importance of this plant in promoting overall health. The study highlights the synergy between plant-based medicines and their historical applications in treating various ailments which are still relevant today.

4) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes holistic health through natural remedies, particularly using medicinal plants like Plumbago zeylanica. This traditional practice is crucial for understanding the medicinal properties attributed to certain plants and reflects a rich heritage of natural healing that continues to be practiced and respected.

5) Guggulu:
Guggulu is a type of herbal formulation often used in Ayurveda, and may contain Plumbago zeylanica. It is noted for its healing properties, particularly in addressing metabolic disorders and promoting detoxification. This showcases the interrelation of various plants and herbal compounds in traditional medicine, emphasizing their synergistic effects.

6) Science (Scientific):
The mention of 'science' in this context emphasizes the methodical approach taken in understanding plant pathology. The investigation of Phoma exigua in Plumbago zeylanica illustrates how scientific inquiry complements traditional knowledge, advancing our understanding of plant diseases and medicinal properties through research and evidence-based studies.

7) Ghrita (Ghṛta):
Ghrita is a medicinal ghee used in Ayurvedic recipes, incorporating herbs such as Plumbago zeylanica. This form of medication is highly valued for its nourishing properties and ability to enhance bioavailability of herbal compounds, thus demonstrating the significance of traditional preparation methods in achieving effective medicinal outcomes.

8) Madhya (Mādhya):
Madhya references the Madhya Pradesh region in India, where the study on Plumbago zeylanica was conducted. This geographical context is essential, as local biodiversity influences the types of medicinal plants found there. The indigenous knowledge associated with these plants showcases the cultural significance of botanical diversity in traditional medicine.

9) Arogya (Ārogya):
Arogya translates to health or well-being in Sanskrit and is often associated with Ayurvedic practices. The connection between Arogya and Plumbago zeylanica is evident through the plant's traditional usage in promoting health. The focus on health underlines the relevance of medicinal plants in achieving well-rounded wellness within traditional healing contexts.

10) Botany:
Botany, the scientific study of plants, plays a crucial role in understanding plant species like Plumbago zeylanica. The research emphasizes the importance of plant pathology and disease, revealing how botany interacts with traditional knowledge. The findings contribute to both scientific literature and the preservation of traditional medicinal practices.

11) Water:
Water is a fundamental component for growing plants, including Plumbago zeylanica, and plays a crucial role in laboratory experiments regarding plant pathology. In the pathogenicity tests described in the study, sterile water was used to prepare spore suspensions, underscoring its vital role in both plant health and scientific experimentation.

12) Vati (Vāti, Vāṭī, Vatī, Vaṭi):
Vati refers to a type of traditional Ayurvedic medicine formulation, which could include herbs like Plumbago zeylanica. This term reflects the diverse preparations used in Ayurveda for health benefits. The inclusion of such formulations in traditional medicine highlights the complex interactions of multiple herbal ingredients in achieving therapeutic efficacy.

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