In vitro investigation on antifungal activity of some plant extracts against Pyricularia oryzae

Studies were carried out to determine the antifungal attributes of some plant extracts against Pyricularia oryzae. The plant species evaluated were the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum, Chromolaena odorata, Cymbopogon citratus, seeds of Eugenia aromatica, Piper guineense, and nuts of Garcinia kola. Antifungal activity was tested at concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 100 % of plant extracts, using the poisoned food technique. All plant extracts reduced the growth of Pyricularia oryzae at all tested concentrations. Highest growth inhibition was achieved at 100 % concentration with E. aromatica, 100 % ; P.guineense 98 % and G.kola, 97.3 % mycelial growth inhibition. Extracts from E. aromatica, G.kola and P. guineense at 100 % concentration promoted significant (P≤0.05) inhibition on mycelial growth and sporulation of P. oryzae than the control, O.gratissimum, C. odorata and C. citratus. It could be inferred that extracts of E.aromatica P.guineense and G.kola at 100 % concentration can serve as bio-fungicides against the growth of P. oryzae.Keywords: Plant extracts, Antifungal attributes, Pyricularia oryzae, sporulation, mycelial growth.