Evaluation of various botanicals against Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler In vitro condition

Abstract

Investigation on leaf spot disease (Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler. of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) under South Gujarat condition was carried out to find suitable management strategies. The hazardous effects of chemicals used in plant disease management have diverted plant pathologists to find out an effective alternative method with little or no adverse effect on environment. The aqueous extracts of commonly available eleven plant species belonging to ten different families were evaluated in vitro for their inhibitory effect on the mycelial growth and spore formation by A. alternate. The results revealed that all the phytoextracts tested were significantly superior over the control in checking the growth of the pathogen. The rhizome extract of turmeric (54.42%) was found significantly superior in inhibiting mycelial growth over the rest. The next best in order of merit was Garlic (50.67%). The sporulation was inhibited by all the phytoextracts as compared to control. Thus, extract of Turmeric, Garlic and Neem proved most effective phytoextracts in inhibiting mycelial growth as well as in preventing spore formation.