In vitro evaluation of fungicides and plant extracts against pathogenic fungi of jute seeds

Abstract

Two pathogenic fungi viz. Curvularia lunata (Wakker) Boedijn and Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht were isolated from different accessions of Corchorus capsularis L. collected from Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI). “Blotter”, “Paper towel” and “Agar plate” methods were used to isolate the fungi. Antifungal properties of six extracts obtained from six higher plants namely Allium sativum L., Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Citrus grandis Merr., C. limon (L.) Burm.f., Datura metel L. and Zingiber officinale Rosc. at 5, 10 and 20% concentrations were evaluated against the test pathogens. As regards the plant extracts, the most promising fungitoxic effect was recorded in case of Allium sativum L. against Curvularia lunata and Fusarium oxysporum. Five fungicides with different active ingredients viz., Bavistin DF, Capvit 50 WP, Dithane M-45, Green gel and Tilt 250 EC were selected to evaluate their in vitro efficacy at 100, 200, 400 and 500 ppm concentrations against the test pathogens. Dithane M-45 and Tilt 250 EC completely inhibited the radial growth of Curvularia lunata at all the concentrations while Bavistin DF completely inhibited the radial growth of Fusarium oxysporum at all the concentrations. The present investigation revealed that Tilt 250 EC, Dithane M-45, and Capvit were the best inhibiting agent against the in vitro growth of C. lunata and F. oxysporum.