Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) against Early Blight of Tomato caused by Alternaria solani Fungi
Keywords:
Alternaria solani, Bio-fungicide, Vitex NegundoAbstract
Introduction: Fungal pathogens are emerging as a major threat to agricultural productivity and food security worldwide. Although chemical fungicides are widely used to control plant diseases, their excessive application has resulted in environmental pollution, harmful effects on living organisms, and the development of pathogen resistance. In recent years, bio-pesticides have gained attention as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional pesticides. Bio-pesticides are generally less hazardous, target-specific, biodegradable, and effective even in small quantities. Unlike broad-spectrum chemical pesticides, they minimize harm to beneficial organisms such as insects, birds, and mammals, while reducing environmental contamination. India’s bio-pesticide industry has significant potential for growth due to increasing awareness about organic farming and the demand for safer agricultural practices.
Aim and objectives: this article discusses the importance of bio-pesticides made from drugs mentioned in classical Ayurveda texts and their visible effect as a bio-fungicide.
Material and Method: drug used here is Vitex Negundo (nirgundi) and its effects as a bio-fungicide is observed in in-vitro conditions against Alternaria Solani fungi causing early blight in tomatoes. Result: significant compared to the control group with antracol an chemical fungicide.
Discussion and Conclusion: • Among aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts, hydro-alcoholics shows more significant results for Alternaria solani whereas 5% and 10% aqueous extract shows zero percent efficacy and 15% aqueous extract showing only 5.50 percent efficacy against Alternaria solani. • It means that chemical pesticide used for treatment of Alternaria solani manifestation can be replaced with hydro-alcoholic extracts of Nirgundi (15%) as a bio-fungicide.
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