Caulerpa taxifolia (M. Vahl) C. Agardh against Tobacco Necrotic Virus (TNV)

摘要

The seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia was tested for activity against Tobacco necrotic virus (TNV) a virus that causes leaf necrosis and affects the yield of the host plant, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba Taub.(Linn.). Local lesion method was adopted and half leaf comparisons were made in cotyledonary leaves of C tetragonoloba Taub.(Linn.). Extracts of the experimental algae prepared with water, methanol and toluene were tested for antiviral activity against the plant virus TNV. Various concentrations were tested and the toluene exhibited good activity at a concentration of 1000 ng/mL and reduced the number of lesion formed by TNV by nearly 64%. These results clearly depict the potential of the algae abundant in the shores of Kanyakumari, India during the month of April.