EXPLORATION OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF PARTHENIUM AND LEMON GRASS FOR MANAGEMENT OF CITRUS SCAB (ELSINOE FAWCETTII)

Abstract

Citrus scab/blemishes caused by due to different fungal pathogens is very common in citrus orchards and affecting the Pakistani citrus export considerably. Use of plant extracts against fungal plant diseases is very common because they are eco-environment friendly and is a cheap source to manage diseases. The aim of this research was to check the antifungal activity of two important plant extracts against Elsinoe fawcettii the causal agent of citrus scab. Ethanolic extracts of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) were evaluated in vitro. The best disease inhibition zone (3.2mm) was recorded when we use Lemon Grass at the concentration 50µg/ml followed by 2.83mm by parthenium plant extracts   at the same concentration. Ethanolic extract of lemon grass and parthenium can be best option for disease management in field conditions.