Bioefficacy of plant extracts against fusarium species causing wilt in pulses

Abstract

In vitro efficacy of different plant extracts viz. Bitter guard, Turmeric, Garlic and Black pepper has been tested to control both fusarial species viz. fusarium udum (causing wilt in pigeonpea) and fusarium oxysporum f.sp.ciceri (causing wilt in chickpea). Both pathogenic fungi have been isolated from infected plant parts and identified on the basis of their morphological and cultural characteristics. Different concentration i.e. 5%, 10% and 15% of plant extracts are taken in the swot. All the plant extracts showed considerable diminution in the growth of pathogens. Growth of fusarium udum has been reduced by 15% concentration of turmeric (89.2%) followed by garlic (88.26%) and black pepper (82.22%). In case of fusarium oxysporum f.sp.ciceri, 15% concentration of garlic, turmeric and black pepper reduced the growth upto 94.63%, 87.96% and 77.74% (at p< 0.01) respectively. From the above observations it can be postulated that growth of both the pathogens has been significantly reduced (at p<0.01) by garlic and turmeric extracts followed by extract of black pepper. The bitter guard extract is found least effective against both the pathogens at all concentrations. In addition to this 10% concentration of garlic and turmeric is also found effective against both the pathogens.