In vitro assessment of organic amendments for the suppression of Ceratocystis fimbriata and Fusarium oxysporum, the causal agents of wilt in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)

Abstract

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) production is severely threatened by wilt disease caused predominantly by Ceratocystis fimbriata and Fusarium oxysporum. In search of eco-friendly disease management strategies, the present investigation was conducted to evaluate the in vitro antifungal efficacy of six organic amendments viz., mustard cake, neem cake, castor cake, cotton cake, farmyard manure (FYM) and vermicompost against wilt pathogens. The poisoned food technique was employed using amendments at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% concentrations. The amendments were allowed to decompose in water and the extracts were mixed into Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) before inoculation with the pathogens. Among all treatments, neem cake and mustard cake exhibited significant inhibition of mycelial growth at higher concentrations, while vermicompost and FYM showed comparatively moderate effects. The findings suggest that organic amendments, particularly neem and mustard cake, hold promise as sustainable options for managing wilt pathogens in pomegranate cultivation.