In vitro antifungal activity of Pongamia pinnata against collar rot pathogen (Sclerotium rolfsii) of Chickpea

Present study was conducted to evaluate the antifungal activity of leaves and seed oil of Pongame (Pongamia pinnata) with the help of Poisoned Food Technique against Sclerotium rolfsii. Autoclaved and non autoclaved treatments were observed at all three stages of life cycle of the S. rolfsii. Highest inhibition by pongame products was showed at 30% concentration. Pongame leaves diffusate was more effective against all three stages of Sclerotium rolfsii than seed oil and leaf decoction. Heat treatment reduced the effect of seeds oil, leaf decoction and diffusate. Present study indicated that Pongamia pinnata exhibits promising antifungal potential and further studies on isolation and characterization of active (antifungal) compounds are needed. These compounds can be used for ecofriendly management of fungal pathogens.