Antifungal activity of plant extracts against Sclerotium rolfsii (collar rot pathogen) in tuberose

Tube rose is an important flower plant of our country earning a lot of revenue and trade. Of different diseases affecting tube rose cultivation, collar rot induced by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. is an important soil borne disease causing devastating losses. In the present study, the sensitivity of the collar rot pathogen was investigated. Out of nine aqueous plant extracts, evaluated in vitro root extract of moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) and seed extract soapnut (Sopindus trifoliate L.) were found highly inhibitory to S. rolfsii completely at 20 percent concentrations and fairly high inhibition of fungal growth was noted in lower dose. Considerably high inhibition of mycellial growth was noted in leaf extract of neem (Ajadiracta indica) and patal gaurad (Rowlphia serpentine).