Short communication. Management of Macrophomina root rot of mungbean using dry leaves manure of Datura metel as soil amendment

Abstract

The antifungal activity of leaves of Datura metel for in vitro and in vivo management of Macrophomina phaseolina, the causal agent of root rot in mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek], was studied. In a laboratory bioassay, methanolic extracts of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 g/100 mL significantly reduced the fungal biomass by 36-47%. In a pot trial, dried powdered leaves of D. metel were mixed in soil at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% (w/w) with soil already inoculated with the target fungal pathogen. A negative control without fungal inoculation and leaf amendment, and a positive control with M. phaseolina inoculation only, were used for reference. Plant mortality due to M. phaseolina inoculation was significantly reduced by 42% and 80% due to 1.0 and 1.5% dry leaves amendments, respectively, as compared to positive control. There was a gradual increase in root and shoot growth of the plants with increase in dose of soil amendment. Generally, 1.5% dose significantly enhanced root and shoot growth as compared to positive control. M. phaseolina root rot in mungbean can effectively be managed by amending the soil with 1.5% dry leaf manure of D. metel.