SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF PLANT EXTRACTS AND FUNGICIDE AGAINST PURPLE BLOTCH DISEASE OF ONION

Abstract

Onion is widely cultivated crop and attacked by different fungi. Purple blotch of onion caused by Alternaria porri is a continuous threat to Pakistan agriculture industry for the last few years. Generally, fungicides give satisfactory control but due to the environmental concerns, their use should be restricted. In integrated disease management program, cost effective and eco-friendly approach is used to cope with plant pathogens. Therefore, the present study was planned to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of different plants extracts such as Pongamia pinnata, Polyalthia longifolia, Cassia fistula, and Citrus sinensis against A. porri alone as well as synergistically with different concentrations of Mancozeb under in vitro conditions. Methanolic leaves extracts of these plants were mixed with different concentrations (25, 50, and 75%) of fungicide and screened via poisoned food technique to measure percent inhibition of fungal growth. The results indicated that plant extracts alone gave appreciable amount of fungal reduction but when used in combination with fungicide, performed best. Among them P. longifolia gave 73% inhibition, C. sinensis 49%, P. pinnata 70% and Cassia fistula showed 46% inhibition respectively. In combination with fungicide, 25% of recommended dose, P. longifolia gave 82.93%, P. pinnata gave 77.07 %, C. sinensis 73.17% and C. fistula gave 62.92% inhibition as compared to control against A. porri. With the increase of fungicide in combination, more reduction in the fungal growth was observed. It is concluded that extracts can be used synergistically with fungicides. The combinations will protect the environment by reducing the amount of fungicide.