Management of Fusarium Species Isolated From Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) by Essential Oils

Abstract

Mycological examination of 57 samples of Ginger revealed the occurrence of toxigenic Fusarium species (Fusarium verticililoides, F. oxysporum, F. solani and F. equiseti) with 44.9% of incidence. Fusarium species isolated in this study were treated with different concentration (1000 ppm, 1500 ppm, 2000 ppm, 2500 ppm) of five essential oils viz., Clove, Eucalyptus, Cedar wood , Peppermint and Lemon grass and the antifungal activity of each essential oils was evaluated. The results indicated that all essential oils exhibited anti-fungal activity at different concentrations. Peppermint oil was highly effective in inhibiting all the Fusarium species tested at 1500ppm and higher concentration. Lemongrass, Clove and Eucalyptus oils inhibited the fungal growth at 2000-2500 ppm. Cedar oil was less effective in inhibition of mycelial growth and sporulation of the Fusarium species tested. The present results reveals that essential oils can be used as natural fungicide at lowest concentrations for controlling Fusarium species in Ginger