Inhibitory Effects of Organic Extracts against Aspergilus flavus and Their Comparative Efficacy upon Germination of Infested Rice Seeds

Abstract

Aspergilus flavus is the most common seed born fungus that deteriorates the seed quality and minimizes the export value of rice all over the world. As the excessive use of chemicals worldwide has proved lethal environmentally so the present study was carried out to evaluate different organic extracts against fungal growth and their effects in improving the germination percentage of infested rice seeds. The experiment was carried out in-vitro using four different concentrations (2, 4, 6, 8%) of organic extracts as compared to control in a completely randomized design and all the data was subject to statistical analysis. Regarding mycelial growth, higher concentrations of plant extracts were significantly better as statistical results revealed that the organic extracts of Neem and Brassica were proved better and comparative to each other followed by activity of Diver (Mineral Oil), Onion and Garlic extracts. Similarly, the performance of Brassica and Neem extracts were recorded better regarding improvement in germination percentage of infested rice seeds as compared to Diver, Onion and garlic extracts. Hence we suggest avoiding the dangerous chemicals and use the organic extracts to manage the particular fungus efficiently and safely.