In vitro management of the early blight of tomato by various chemical Fungicides and plant products

Abstract

Pathogens reduce crop yield and quality, making their control necessary. In vitro studies examined the effects of botanicals (marigold, kikar, and ginger) and fungicides (Antracol, Captan, and Dithane M 45) against Alternaria solani. Botanicals (marigold, kikkar and ginger), fungicides (Antracol, Captan, and Dithane M 45), concentrations of botanicals (50%, 75% and 100%) and concentrations of fungicides (250 ppm, 500 ppm, and 1000 ppm) were the factors studied to effect the inhibition of A. solani. Mycelial growth diameter, inhibition, and spore germination were measured. Botanicals displayed considerable anti-fungal activity against A. solani, which increased with concentration. All tested botanicals and fungicides inhibited A. solani, reduced mycelial growth, and reduced spore germination. Ginger and Antracol have shown the strongest effects against A. solani at each concentration. Kikkar showed the minimum inhibition of A. solani. These botanicals can suppress pathogenic fungi as natural fungicides. Further research on botanicals should pinpoint the active compounds that cause this anti-fungal activity and test their anti-fungal activity on other fungi at different concentrations. These plant extracts may also control early blight disease in field experiments. Keywords: Fungal blight, Alternaria solani, chemical management, plant extracts.