Fungitoxicity of the essential oil of <i>Tagetes erecta</i> l. against <i>Pythium aphanidermatum</i> fitz. the damping‐off pathogen

Abstract

Abstract The essential oil of the leaves of Tagetes erecta L. exhibited complete inhibition of growth of Pythium aphanidermatum Fitz., the damping‐off pathogen, at a concentration of 2000 ppm. The oil possessed a broad fungitoxic spectrum, no phytotoxicity and superiority over three synthetic fungicides, viz. Captan, Agrosan G.N. and Dithane Z‐78. Moreover, during pot trials the oil indicated its efficacy for controlling the damping‐off of seedlings of tomato up to 50%.