Antifungal activity of essential oils against Phomopsis azadirachtae - the causative agent of die-back disease of neem

Abstract

Six essential oils Clove, Cedar wood, Lemon grass, Peppermint, Citronella and Nutmeg oils were tested for in vitro antifungal activity on Phomopsis azadirachtae. The test organism is the causative agent of destructive die-back disease of neem. Different essential oils were screened using food poisoning technique. All the used six oils showed significant antifungal activity against the tested pathogen. The results indicated that the citronella and lemongrass showed 100% inhibition of mycelial growth at 2,500 ppm. Hence, the results of the present investigations indicate that plant essential oils possess antifungal activity and can be exploited as an ideal treatment for future plant disease management to eliminate fungal spread.