International Journal of Economic Plants
  • Year: 2026
  • Volume: 12
  • Issue: 3

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Deodar Substrate and Hemp Seeds against Fungal Pathogens Infecting Apple

  • Author:
  • Arunesh Kumar1, Meenu Gupta2, Satish Kumar Sharma1, Surender Kumar3*, Chidembra Bhardwaj5, Ranjeet Singh Verma4, Ankita6, Gokul Kumar7
  • Total Page Count: 5
  • Page Number: 01 to 05

1Dept. of Plant Pathology, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh (173 230), India

2Dept. of Vegetable Science, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh (173 230), India

3Dept. of Biotechnology, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh (173 230), India

4Dept. of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh (173 230), India

5Dept. of Agriculture, Khalsa College Amritsar, Punjab (143 002), India

6Dept. of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala (680 656), India

7Dept. of Entomology, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh (176 062), India

*Corresponding Author Surender Kumar e-mail: kr.surender@outlook.com

Abstract

The experiment was conducted during May-June, 2024 at Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Foresrty, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) to study the antimicrobial activity of deodar substrate and hemp seeds against major soil-borne pathogens of apple. An in vitro investigation was performed to assess the effects of deodar sawdust (Cedrus deodara) and hempseed (Cannabis sativa) on the mycelial growth of three soil-borne (Fusarium oxysporum, Sclerotium rolfsii and Dematophora necatrix) and one foliar (Colletotichum spp) pathogen in apple trees, aiming to find sustainable alternatives to chemical fungicides. The most significant inhibitory impact of this organic amendment was seen on Fusarium oxysporum, showing 74.44% reduction in growth with 23 mm mycelial development one week post inoculation, followed by Dematophora necatrix, which demonstrated 70.00% inhibition. Conversely, the least inhibition was noted for Sclerotium rolfsii (16.67%) which had maximum mycelial growth (75.00 mm). Combining deodar sawdust and hempseed could have synergistic effect and antagonistic effects to certain soil-borne pathogens in apple orchards, while complementary enhancement of soil health and resilience, however, it is important to conduct field trials for tailored recommendations.

Keywords

Bio-products, deodar sawdust, hempseed, apple, pathogens, sustainable