Effect of neem (Azadirachta indica) products on seedling growth of shisham dieback

Abstract

In present study, the efficacy of different neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) products namely neem oil, neem seed decoction, neem seed without coat, neem seed coat and neem leaf extract were tested for in vitro growth of shisham seedlings inoculated with Fusarium solani isolated from shisham dieback. Two concentrations (5 and 15%) of each neem product were used in the study. Three different methods were employed for neem products application that is, spray, direct mixing in soil and injected at root zone of shisham seedlings. Neem products used as spray increase the growth of inoculated shisham seedlings as compared to injected at root zone or mixed with soil. Neem oil (15%) used as spray increased root and shoot length and weight of inoculated shisham seedling (28.667 and 34.000 cm) (2.300 and 2.966 g) followed by neem seed decoction (25.000 and 29.667 cm) (1.967 and 2.566 g), neem seed without coat (22.667 and 28.333 cm) (1.867 and 1.900 g) and neem leaf extract (19.000 and 27.667 cm) (1.600 and 1.800 g) as compared to untreated and inoculated shisham plants (0.332 and 0.766 g), respectively. All the neem products showed significant reduction in the growth of shisham seedlings. Neem oil, neem seed decoction, neem seed without coat and neem leaf extract also decreased percent disease intensity as compared to untreated control. The results showed that neem products have potential for the management of shisham dieback.