Plant Essential Oils for the Management of Rhizoctonia solani Causing Sheath Blight of Paddy

A total of ten essential oilsi.e., Pepper-mint, Eucalyptus, Wild-mint, Van-tulsi, Lemon-tulsi, Lemon-grass, Clove, Citronella, Patchouli and Khus were evaluated at 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm concentrations against Rhizoctonia solani by poison food technique. The data recorded on colony diameter after incubation at 28+ 1°C were significant for all tested essential oils at all concentrations except Wild Mint and Khus at 100 and 200 ppm concentrations, when compared to check. The inhibition of growth of the fungus in all the treatments was directly proportional to the concentration of the essential oil. Present investigation revealed that essential oil of Van-tulsi was exceptionally effective against mycelial growth of Rhizoctonia solani followed by Lemon-grass, Clove, Citronella and Eucalyptus. Oils of Lemon-tulsi, Pepper Mint, Wild Mint, Patchouli and Khus were also considerably effective in reducing the growth of fungus.