"Efficacy Of Lemongrass Oil In Managing Fusarium Root Rot In Okra (Fusarium Solani)

Abstract

  This study was aimed at assessing the intensity of okra root rot in district Charsadda and evaluating the effectiveness of lemon grass oil against the obligate parasitic fungus associated with the root rot of okra (Fusarium solani). Surveys were conducted in the district of Charsadda during April and May 2021 when the okra was at seedling stage. The survey showed that the seedlings were planted in 15 different localities in which okra was grown. The incidence of Fusarium solani was recorded in soil samples. The minimum incidence was reported from Rahim Abad (9.00% seedling mortality) and the maximum seedling mortality (20.14%) was reported from Bad Shah Kali. The in- vitro study of lemon grass oil revealed that the oil adversely affected the mycelia growth, biomass and spore count/ml of the pathogen (F. solani). The treatments showed that lemon grass oil concentrations applied at max. (3%) was maximum for min. of colony diameter, fresh biomass and spore count/ml of Fusarium solani. While it was min. where lemon grass oil concentrations applied @ 0.5% and @1%. The lemon grass oil @ 3% had significant effect in limiting the colony diameter, fresh biomass and spore count/ml. In in-vivo study, lemon grass oil stimulated okra seed germinations. A significant effect was shown for germination and mortality percent. The study also showed that lemon grass oil had a significant effect on controlling okra root rot condition in-vitro and in-vivo. The maximum concentration 3% had a significant effect on controlling Fusarium solani in both in-vitro and in-vivo conditions. It is possible to state that lemon grass oil can be used against F. solani as a disease management  method.