Antifungal Activity of Three Fern Extracts on Causative Agents of Groundnut Early Leaf Spot and Rust Diseases

Abstract

Antifungal Activity of Three Fern Extracts on Causative Agents of Groundnut Early Leaf Spot and Rust Diseases

Antimycotic activity of three fern extracts from [Hemionitis arifolia] (Burm.f.) Moore., [Pteridium aquilinum] (Linn.) Kuhn. and [Christella parasitica] (Linn.) H. Lev. were evaluated against groundnut early leaf spot and rust disease causative agents [viz., Puccinia arachidis] Speg. and [Phaeoisariopsis personata] (Berk & M.A. Cuortis) Vanarx., espectively by mycelial dry weight method. Both the fungi were sensitive to all the three fern extracts tested. Among the extracts, chloroform extract of [H. arifolia] was found to have maximum antifungal activity against both fungi. Between these two fungi, [P. personata] was found to be more sensitive to the tested plant extracts than [P. arachidis.] From this study it is concluded that chloroform extract from [H. arifolia] can be utilized for managing rust and leaf spots diseases on groundnut.