Evaluation of Botanical extracts against Plant Fungal Pathogens

The book contains intense research work carried out in order to find an Eco-friendly solution to control post-harvest rot causing fungi. Total 11 important fungal strains were used for the present study and 41 different plants were used to screen their anti-fungal potential. Among 41 selected plants; 22 plants were categorized under Utility and Medicinal plants were extracted in 4 different solvents viz. Water, Methanol, Chloroform, Petroleum ether. While 15 plants were categorized under Aromatic herbs & Spices were extracted in Hexane solvent. Apart 4 ready-made plant Essential oils were used.Dose optimization study was carried out after successful results obtained in primary screening using Disc Diffusion Assay. The potential anti-fungal extracts were pulled for the Herbal formulation development and its effectiveness was tested in vivo and field experiments using host plants for the fungi. Further all plant extracts were used to generate their Phyto-chemical & HPTLC profile. The present work contributes to tackle the issue of fruits and vegetable post-harvest fungal infestation during harvesting and transportation. This will serve an alternative to hazardous Chemical Fungicides.