Phytochemicals from the algal species Chara braunii

Abstract

The algal species Chara braunii contains complex compounds that can be exploited for biosynthesis of agro-chemicals for the management of insect pests and phytopathogens. A phytochemical screening of various extracts from the plant reveals the presence of steroids, glycosides, tannins and saponins. A pure compound of steroids was isolated and identified using semi-qualitative approach. The crude extracts from this plant are of great importance to the project. They will be assayed to determine their bioactivities against plant-parasitic nematodes, insect pest and fungal/bacterial pathogens.