Efficacy of Volkameria inermis, Solanum torvum, Senna occidentalis and Solanum nigrum against Pythium aphanidermatum causing chilli damping-off

Pythium damping-off is a widespread disease affecting chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). This pathogen particularly targets and kills newly sprouted seedlings shortly after they emerge. As use of chemical pesticides negatively impact human health and environment, thus the study aimed to investigate antifungal activity of ethanolic leaf extracts of Volkameria inermis, Solanum torvum, Senna occidentalis and fruits of Solanum nigrum against P. aphanidermatum using food poisoning technique. The growth inhibition of Pythium sp. was measured by comparing the radial growth of fungal colony on treated media versus untreated controls. The ethanolic extracts of V. inermis (42.213 - 3.631%) and fruits of S. nigrum (31.196 - 3.39%) have shown significant inhibitory effect on the mycelial growth of P. aphanidermatum. The study further evaluated the impact of plant powders on chilli seed germination in Pythium infected soil. Leaf powder of V. inermis showed positive impact on chilli seed with higher germination (83.33±1.430 %) almost equivalent to chemical fungicide used (90±2.48 %) as compared to the control, indicating a reduction in Pythium-induced damping-off. The results suggested, V. inermis ethanolic extracts and powders can serve as effective green antifungal agent against P. aphanidermatum. Practical field application and long-term effectiveness of these green antifungal agents should be explored.. KEYWORDS :Antifungal, biopesticides, damping off disease, Pythium aphanidermatum