Effect of Phytobiocides in Controlling Soft Rot of Tomato

Abstract

The effect of various phytobicides such as Oleander, Chili, Mint, Garlic, Turmeric, and Neem on the control of soft rot of tomato was made both in laboratory and screen house conditions. Significant (P ? 0.05) differences were found among different phytobiocides which were used to produce zone of inhibition (in mm) of Erwinia carotovora carotovora (on culture medium LB). Maximum zone of bacterial growth inhibition was achieved by turmeric (9.33 mm) followed by neem (7.33mm) and garlic (6.33mm). The screen house studies indicated that turmeric treated plants gave maximum height (61.67 cm), fresh shoot weight (35.68 g), fresh root weight (9.88 g), dry shoot weight (8.00 g), and dry root weight (3.25 g) followed by Neem and Garlic. These phytobiocides especially turmeric could serve as novel antibacterial agents.

Key words: Phytobiocides, Erwinia, Turmeric, Zone of inhibition