Fungitoxic effect of ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Ocimum gratissimum and Benlate in the control of Post harvest Fungal diseases of Solanum melongena Linn (Egg plant).

Abstract

Fungitoxic properties of ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica, Ocimum gratissimum and benlate were used in vitro for the control of post-harvest fungal diseases of Solanum melongena, caused by Aspergillus niger, Rhizoctonia solani and Mucor ramosissimus. Pathogenicity test confirmed them as the causal organisms of the fruit rots. The three pathogens were treated with both ethanol and aqueous leaf extracts of the two plants at concentrations ranging from 25 to 100% and benlate at concentrations between 2.5 and 10.0%. Various concentrations were added to prepared Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media. The pathogens were inoculated separately into the PDA media and were incubated for eight days. Fungitoxic effects of these extracts on the mycelial growth of the pathogens were significant at P?0.05 for all treatments. The pathogens were completely inhibited at 100% concentration of both extracts and at 10% concentration of benlate. With respect to ethanolic extract; O.gratissimum was more efficient than A. indica but not with aqueous extract.