Effect of phytoextracts on seed mycoflora and seed germination of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Six plant extracts, such as rhizome of Zingiber officinalis, bulb of Allium sativum, leaves of Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus sp., Lantana camara and Vinca rosea were tested for their efficacy in-vitro against five species of fungi viz., Alternaria sp., A. niger, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium sp. and Rhizopus stolonifer which were associated with the seeds of chickpea. Among all the plant extracts Allium sativum at 5% and Zingiber officinalis at 15% significantly reduced the incidence of seed-borne fungi. Leaf extracts of Lantana camera was found effective against Fusarium sp. at 15% concentration where as Eucalyptus sp. was found to be effective against Alternaria sp. at 15% concentration. Aspergillus niger and Curvularia lunata were more sensitive to the extracts of garlic and ginger at 5% and 15% concentrations respectively followed by neem at 15% concentration. The effectiveness of seed treatment with Allium sativum showed increased seed germination and seedling vigor of bengalgram followed by ginger, Eucalyptus sp. neem, L. camara and V. rosea.