Evaluation of possible biological control of Fusarium sp. using plant extracts and antagonistic species of microbes in vitro

Abstract

Background: Fusarium species is one of the most devastating fungi responsible for fruit and vegetable crops rot worldwide. The present study was designed to find an ecofriendly control measure for pathogenic Fusarium species, using suitable bioagents. Methods: Medicinal plant extracts were evaluated or their antifungal activities against Fusarium species using the poisoned food method. Antagonistic potency of some nonpathogenic microbes was also assessed on Fusarium species using the dual culture method. Results: Highest inhibition of growth of Fusarium sp. was observed with 68.1% (0.389 mg per 90 mm Petri plate) of mycelia on Coccinia grandis plant leaf extract, in comparison to the control grown with 100.0% (1.22 mg/dish). The highest inhibition of radial growth was observed using Trichoderma viride on Fusarium sp. (46.01% inhibition). Conclusions: The findings of present study would be benevolent for antifungal drug development to control Fusarium sp. causing fruit and vegetable rot.