IN-VITRO ASSAY OF SOME PLANT EXTRACTS AGAINST FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM F. SP. LYCOPERSICI CAUSAL AGENT OF TOMATO WILT

The effect of crude extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf, neem seed and garlic (Allium sativum) at concentrations ranging from 5% to 30% of the material in 100 ml of Potato Dextrose Agar on mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici was assessed. All the extracts inhibited mycel- lial growth at various levels. Dry neem seed extract gavel 100% inhibition of mycelial growth. Fresh neem leaf extract reduced mycelial growth with increasing concentration while in garlic there were no differences in growth inhibition among the various concentrations used. However garlic extracts de- creased sporulation with increasing concentration and cultures grown on extract amended agar plates remained viable.