• Pushpa Kumari
• Priyanka
• Dr. Reena Mohanka

Abstract : Present study was done to control pathogenic Fusarium spp., the most frequently occurring soil borne fungal- pathogens on vegetable crops. Every year, due to this pathogen only, there is a significant yield losses and so causing economical problems for growers and therefore the problem deserves effective measures of control. Fusarium control through chemical fungicides causes serious environmental problems and are toxic to non-target organisms as well. Plant based pesticides appear to be one of the better alternatives as they are known to have minimal environmental impact and danger to consumer. In our study, in-vitro antifungal efficacy of leaf extract (aqueous and ethanolic) of Tagetes erecta was tested against Fusarium solani and Fusarium moniliforme (isolated from soil through serial dilution culture technique) through poisoned food technique and was compared with leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica for five different concentrations (10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%).The assessment of fungi-toxicity was carried out in terms of percentage mycelial growth inhibition against the test fungi. For both the plants, Ethanolic extracts were found to be more effective than the aqueous one. Ethanolic extract of Tagetes erecta was found to be the most efficient showing excellent inhibitory effect, even 100% inhibition of mycelial growth at 50% concentration for both the studied Fusarium spp in comparison to that of Azadirachta indica, 70.83% for Fusarium solani and 72.77% for Fusarium moniliforme. The results indicate that some common plants like marigold (Tagetes spp.), which is one of the most leading commercial floriculture crop, cultivated extensively throughout the country, could be exploited in developing a potent plant based fungicides which can be used in organic farming for the eco-friendly management of Fusarium species and there is a possibility of 100% replacement of the use of chemical fungicide.

Leaf extracts, Fusarium solani, Fusarium moniliforme, Tagetes, Azadirachta indica, Poisoned food technique.

"Tagetes spp.-A Probable Potent Bio-agent to Control Fusarium Diseases.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 4, page no.461-468, April-2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1904F74.pdf

"Tagetes spp.-A Probable Potent Bio-agent to Control Fusarium Diseases.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 4, page no. pp461-468, April-2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1904F74.pdf