Distribution and eco-friendly management of Rhizoctonia solani by medicinal plant extracts

This study investigates the distribution of black scurf disease in potatoes within Meerut district and evaluates the effectiveness of various medicinal plant extracts against this disease. It was conducted at the Department of Plant Pathology at IFTM University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. The survey results showed that black scurf affected potato tubers were present in all locations visited. A total of nine sites were explored, focusing on three potato varieties-Kufri Bahar, Kufri Jyoti, and Kufri Chipsona—commonly cultivated by local farmers. Most farmers treated their stored potato tubers with Carbendazim fungicide, while one farmer opted for Sartaz, a combination of Carbendazim and Mancozeb. The highest disease incidence and intensity, recorded at Bhagwanpura cold store, were 76% and 38%, respectively. In contrast, Badaun and Modipuram had the lowest disease incidence at 25% and intensity values of 12.05 and 13.60. The remaining six locations-Shamli, Pablikhas, Lawad, Bhatipura, Sheikupura, and Machhra-reported disease incidences between 28% to 60%, with intensity measurements ranging from 15.06 to 20.05. Furthermore, the study tested several aqueous extracts from medicinal plants, including tulsi, neem, ginger, turmeric, and clove. Even at a 50% concentration, these extracts demonstrated considerable antifungal potential, with effectiveness ranging from 70.73% to 77.64%. At a 100% concentration, the extracts almost eliminated the pathogen, achieving between 88.23% to 100% reduction in growth. Notably, clove extract stood out, achieving complete elimination of fungal growth at both 50% and 100% concentrations. Overall, the results highlight the promising antifungal properties of these plant extracts against the fungus R. solani, showing significant potential for managing black scurf in potatoes.