In vitro exploration of phytoextracts against stem rot of white onion (Allium cepa L.) caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc.

The fungus, Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. associated with naturally infected white onion plant was isolated and its pathogenicity was proved. Six phytoextracts viz., Azadirachta indica, Allium sativum, Sapindus mukorossi, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Lantana camara and Calotropis gigantea were evaluated against Sclerotium rolfsii by following poisoned food technique at 10 and 20 percent concentration in vitro. Among phytoextracts tested Sapindus mukorossi was most effective both at lower (10%) and higher (20%) concentration with 47.22% and 52.22% inhibition over control, respectively followed by Azadirachta indica (23.14% & 30%) and Allium sativum (15% & 38.33%).