2017, Vol. 5, Issue 4, Part B

author(s)
Prashith Kekuda TR and Vinayaka KS

abstract
Seed-borne fungi are of much significance for crop production as they are known to reduce germination and cause huge crop loss. Botanicals are shown to be effective in the management of seed associated pathogenic fungi. The present study was performed to investigate antifungal potential of methanolic extract obtained from leaves of two plants viz. Harpullia arborea (Blanco) Radlk. (Sapindaceae) and Hydnocarpus pentandra (Buch.-Ham.) Oken (Achariaceae) against a total of 7 seed-borne fungi. Maceration process was used to obtain extracts from the shade dried and powdered leaf material of selected plants. Poisoned food technique was used to determine antifungal activity. Both extracts were effective in causing mycelial growth inhibition in a concentration dependent manner. Marked antifungal activity was displayed by H. arborea when compared to H. pentandra. Among fungi, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp. was inhibited to highest and least extent respectively by both extracts. The plants selected in this study are promising in terms of their potential to inhibit seed mycoflora. In suitable formulation, these plants can be used against mycoflora associated with seeds for the management of seed-borne fungal diseases of plants.