In- vitro effect of neem (Azadirachta indica) and lantana (Lantana camara) leaf extract on the growth of Sclerotium rolfsii

Abstract

In this study, effect of neem and lantana leaf extract on the growth Sclerotium rolfsii was evaluated under in- vitro condition on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium. Results showed the growth inhibition of Sclerotium rolfsii to the extent of 34.2% and 62.2% with neem leaf extracts and 0% and 0% growth inhibition with lantana leaf extracts, @ 10 and 40% concentrations, respectively. Extract of neem leaf exhibited antagonistic activity and lantana had synergistic effect on the growth of Sclerotium rolfsii. Mycelium growth of Sclerotium rolfsii in the PDA plates supplied with 40% lantana leaf extracts were more thick and profuse when compared plates with 10% leaf extract, in comparison with control plates. However, in 15 days old culture plates number of sclerotia produced were found maximum in plates with 10% lantana leaf extract and very less sclerotia in plates with 40% lantana leaf extracts, compared to control.