Journal of Plant Pathology & Microbiology

Abstract

Antifungal Properties of Phytoextracts of Certain Medicinal Plants Against Leaf Spot Disease of Mulberry, Morus spp

Ul-Haq S, Hasan SS, Dhar A, Mital V and Sahaf KA

The fungi toxicant use checks the pathogen, yet its use in the organic farming system is least permitted because of their eco-toxic properties. Hence, the use of plants for their anti-fungal properties which could be used against the pathogen in the organic farming system becomes an area of interest for the eco-friendly mode of disease management. Six commonly available medicinal plants were selected based on their wide application in the state and for their valuable use as ethano-medicines. Cold water extracts of the six plants were tested in vitro against three identified leaf spot pathogens, Cercospora moricola Cooke, Alternaria alternata and Cladosporium cladosporiodes and extracts of plants viz. Artemisia absanthemum, Allium sativa L, uphorbia ligularia Roxb, Zingiber officinale and Datura metel showed more than 85% conidial inhibition in vitro with a 94.56% in A. absanthemum and more than 50% decrease in leaf spot disease incidence and severity in field conditions except A. sativa L and E. ligularia Roxb.at 0.05% decrease in PDI. All the plant extracts screened showed more than 50% percent mycelial inhibition with respect to control (water). The highest mycelial inhibition of more than 70% was found in E. ligularia Roxb. Followed by Z. officinale in all the three pathogens. So these plants with anti-fungal properties could be utilized against these pathogens, at least to lessen the impact of these pathogens. Similar eco-friendly means of disease control has been appreciated by the present environment conscious generation. Thus exploring new plants for their anti-fungal activity would bring about more resource base for use in eco-friendly and sustainable mode of agriculture especially in organic farming.