K. RAMASWAMY
Abstract
In vitro antifungal activity was carried out using two essential oils and a root extract of a hanultonii in comparison with standard fungicide carbendazirn (CBZ). Of the three methods tested, broth dilution and agar diffusion assays have shown greater inhibitory action than volatility assay. A.parasiticus is more sensitive than F.moniliforme. Individual treatment with 300ppm of D.hamiltonii root extract and combined treatment of thymol and carvacrol has resulted 100% reduction in dry weight, which was comparable to fungicide standard. The results obtained here indicate that root extract of D.hamiltonii could provide potential alternative to chemical/or synthetic fungicides and plant essential oils in inhibiting toxigenic fungi. However, no additive or synergistic activity was noticed when plant root extract was combined either with thymol or carvacrol.