Abstract
The red rot disease of sugarcane caused by the fungi Colletotrichum falcatum is a serious threat for the sugar industry. Synthetic fungicides are used to control the fungi usually which are harmful for human health and the environment. Keeping in view the potential of some bioactive indigenous plant a study was carried out on their efficacy against the fungi Colletotrichum falcatum. Extracts of five indigenous plants (neem, Azadirachta indica; turmeric, Curcuma longa; kuth, Saussurea lappa; garlic, Allium sativum and Gliricidia sepium) were tested in three concentrations (5.0, 10.0 and 15.0%) against Colletotrichum falcatum to evaluate the antifungal activity in vitro. All the botanicals evaluated, suppressed the mycelial growth to some extent. The maximum inhibition in mycelial growth was observed at 15 percent of Azadirachta indica (93.25%), followed by Saussurea lappa (83.64%), Curcuma longa (79.23%) and Gliricidia sepium (59.23%)
