In-vitro evaluation of Phyto-extracts and bio-agent against Aspergillus niger

Aqueous phyto extracts (leaves and clove) of 7 botanicals were evaluated in vitro (each @ 10%) against Aspergillus niger and the results obtained on its mycelial growth and inhibition were significantly effective with mycelial growth inhibition were recorded with Garlic and Nilgiri / Eucalyptus (100%). This was followed by the Phyto-extracts viz., Tulsi (92.74%), Neem (76.10%) and Onion bulb (52.05%).While least mycelial inhibition was recorded with viz., Ginger (91.70%) and Turmeric (50.72%) were found comparatively less effective. Seven bio-control agents Trichoderma hamatum, T. lignorum, T. koningi, T. harzianum, T. viride, Pseudomonas fluorescence and Gliocladium virens were evaluated in vitro for their efficacy against Aspergillus niger by applying dual culture technique (Arora and Upadhay, 1978) and using PDA as basal medium. The results obtained on colony diameter and percent inhibition of Aspergillus niger with seven fungal antagonists. Amongst the eight fungal antagonists tested, Trichoderma harzianum was found the most effective and recorded significantly least linear mycelial growth (0.57mm) with highest percent mycelial inhibition (99.93%) of the test pathogen. The second best antagonist found was Trichoderma viride, which recorded mycelial growth 1.17mm and percent mycelial inhibition 98.75%.