Antifungal activity of Acacia Nilotica against plant pathogenic fungi

In vitro antimicrobial activities of leaf, bark, root and seeds extracts of Acacia nilotica (L.) against Alternaria solani (Ellis & G. Martin) Jones & Grout and Helminthosporium turcicum Pass. were investigated. The aqueous, alcoholic and ethyl acetate extracts were assessed against the test pathogens. The extracts of Acacia nilotica (L.) inhibited the test pathogens and maximum inhibition of spore germination was recorded in the leaf extracts. The alcoholic and ethyl acetate extracts were superior in their action to aqueous extract. The 10% dilution of each extract showed highest antifungal activity but it was slightly lesser than the control (Carbendazim). The laboratory and field trials confirmed the results of in vitro studies. Acacia nilotica (L.) extracts offer inexpensive, locally available and eco-friendly method to control leaf blight of jowar and leaf spot of tomato diseases respectively.