INHIBITORY EFFECT OF MEDIATIONAL BOTANICAL EXTRACTS AGAINST ROOT ROT OF MUSKMELON CAUSED BY PHYTOPHTHORA DRECHSLERI (TUCKER)

Phytophthora drechsleri (Tucker) causing root rot of muskmelon is a threatening pathogen in Pakistan. Non-chemical control based on the use of plant extracts are considered the best alternatives of noxious chemical pesticides as they are considered to be eco-friendly with no or minimal residual effects. The results of all tested botanicals suppressed the mycelial growth of pathogen. Extract of garlic (Allium sativum) showed maximum (86.5%) mycelial growth inhibition of root rot pathogen, followed by parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) (82.8%) and datura (Datura stramonium) (82%) at 30% concentration, while minimum inhibition was shown by Aak (Calatropis procera) (42.8%). These results suggested that plant extracts can be used as an alternative to chemicals for the management of root rot of muskmelon.