Antifungal activity of Leaf and Pericarp of <i>Polyalthia longifolia</i> Against Pathogens Causing Rhizome Rot of Ginger

The aqueous extracts of leaf, unripe pericarp and ripe pericarp of Polyalthia longifolia were assessed in vitro for inhibitory activity against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. zingiberi and Pythium aphanidermatum isolated from rhizome rot specimen of ginger. The antifungal activity was determined by poison food technique. The extracts have shown dose dependent inhibition of mycelial growth of test fungi. The extracts were more effective in inhibiting F. oxysporum than P. aphanidermatum. Ripe pericarp extract inhibited test fungi to maximum extent followed by unripe pericarp extract and leaf extract respectively. The extracts of P. longifolia were found effective against ginger rhizome rot pathogens. Further, field experiments are to be carried out to recommend the extracts against the disease.