ECO-FRIENDLY MANAGEMENT OF ROOT PATHOGENIC FUNGI USING HALOPHYTIC PLANTS: A STUDY ON TWO MAJOR VEGETABLE CROPS

Abstract

Extensive exposure of fungicide and chemical fertilizers reduced crop productivity and cause degradation of ecosystem. To 
overcome above problem organic amendments subjugated to eliminate negative impacts of abiotic and biotic stresses which are 
major factors affecting crop yield. In the present study, halophytic plants Suaeda fruticosa (L.), and Salsola imbricata Forssk. 
leaves were utilizing to examine fungicidal effectiveness against root pathogenic fungi (Rhizoctonia solani Kühn, Fusarium 
oxysporum Schlect., Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid). Further, plant’s leaves extract and powder assessed to effect on 
growth of okra and cowpea crops. Significant results of improvement in growth were achieved by soil amendment with both S. 
fruticosa and S. imbricata leaves extract while reduction in root infecting fungi in both tested crop plants was recorded among all 
three methods. Soil drenching using leaves extract of both halophytic plants exhibited improved growth while soil drenching with 
100% leaves extract of S. imbricata enhanced chlorophyll content under field condition.