S.V. AWACHAR, B. S. PATIL, P.A. CHARPE AND K. D. KAMBLE
Abstract
Fungal pathogens exert a profound influence on agricultural productivity, contributing substantially to crop losses during germination, vegetative growth, and post-harvest storage. Among these, species of Fusarium are recognized as some of the most pervasive and destructive phytopathogens, causing diseases such as rhizome rot and vascular wilt, which markedly diminish crop yield and quality. The impact of fungal infections is particularly severe during the germination phase, where they compromise seed viability, reduce stand establishment, and ultimately impair overall productivity. Conventional management strategies relying on synthetic fungicides, although effective, are increasingly associated with environmental hazards, pathogen resistance, and adverse effects on beneficial soil microbiota. Consequently, there is a pressing need to develop eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives for fungal disease management. In this context, the present investigation evaluates the antifungal efficacy of Tridax procumbens extracts, a readily available medicinal plant species, against pathogenic Fusarium spp. isolated from infected ginger crops in agricultural fields. Extracts were prepared from T. procumbens collected from the Melghat forest region, and their bioactivity was assessed using agar-based in vitro antifungal assays. Results demonstrated a pronounced inhibitory effect on fungal growth, with ethanolic extracts exhibiting the highest suppressive potential, followed by aqueous extracts. The application of such bioactive plant-derived formulations as seed treatments offers a promising strategy for mitigating fungal infections during germination while safeguarding soil microbial communities. The results findings highlight T. procumbensâ potential as a sustainable bio-control agent, helping to increase crop establishment along with productivity in the production of ginger.