In-vitro evaluation of leaf extracts against Fusarium solani causing dry rot disease of potato

Abstract

Fusarium solani is an important disease that causes dry rot disease of potato tubers world over. Management through chemical fungicides cause serious environmental problems and are toxic to non-target organisms as well. Plant metabolites and plant based pesticides appear to be one of the better alternatives as they are known to have minimum environmental impact and danger to consumers in contrast to synthetic pesticides. In an approach towards the development of eco-friendly management, in-vitro antifungal leaf extract was conducted against Fusarium solani, using seven leaf extracts in three replication. Out of seven leaf extracts, two leaf extracts was proved to be potential in inhibiting the growth of Fusarium solani, namely Sarraca ashoka (39.63%), Lemon grass (63.52%), Ocimum sanctum (71.85%). Antifungal potency was compared with seven treatments each other. The poison food technique was conducted for the evaluation of antifungal activity of the extracts at 10% concentration on mycelial growth of Fusarium solani. This study indicates that the leaf extracts could be a good alternative in developing a potent plant based fungicides which can be used in organic farming for the management of Fusarium solani.