In-vitro Evaluation of Trichoderma Species and Some Selected Botanical Extracts against Alternaria helianthi (Hansf) Causing Alternaria Blight of Sunflower
Suman Panda *
Department of Plant Pathology, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj, U. P., India.
Abhilasha A. Lal
Department of Plant Pathology, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj, U. P., India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study investigates the in vitro efficacy of bioagents and selected botanicals in managing Alternaria helianthi, the pathogen responsible for Alternaria blight in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Two bioagents, Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma viride, and six botanicals—Azadirachta indica (neem), Lantana camara (lantana), Curcuma longa (turmeric), Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera), Withania somnifera (ashwagandha), and Mentha spicata (pudina)—were evaluated using the dual culture and poison food technique, respectively. The results showed that T. harzianum exhibited the highest inhibition of mycelial growth at 76.32%, while neem extract was the most effective among botanicals, achieving a maximum inhibition of 75.03% at 15% concentration. These findings suggest the potential of bioagents and botanicals in eco-friendly management strategies for Alternaria blight in sunflower cultivation.
Keywords: Trichoderma species, botanical extracts, Alternaria helianthin, Alternaria blight, sunflower