Antifungal Activity of Herbal Extracts against Neem Die-Back Pathogen Phomopsis Azadirachtae

Herbal extracts of 26 plants belonging to 20 different families of the plant kingdom were evaluated for antifungal activity against Phomopsis azadirachtae, a fungus causing destructive die-back disease in neem. Test fungus was isolated from infected neem seeds. The screening was performed by poisoned food technique. Extracts of Syzygium aromaticum, Lawsonia inermis, Cinnamomum verum and Allium sativum exhibited significant antifungal activity in a dose-dependent manner. Relatively potent herbal extracts were further evaluated to determine the obligate lowest concentration required to inhibit visible mycelial growth of the pathogen. Syzygium extract exhibited 100% inhibition of the pathogen at minimum concentration of 20% then followed by Lawsonia and Ocimum extracts thus being strongest antifungal agents. The present study revealed that, these plants could be exploited for the possible control of deadly pathogen P. azadirachtae. Accordingly, this is an important step towards preventing the spread of the die-back disease through a more ecofriendly approach