Eco-Friendly Management of Post-Harvest Fruit Rot of Guava Caused by Pestalotiopsis palmarum

摘要

Plant extracts of Ocimum sanctum,, Vinca rosea, Azadirachta indica, Aloe barbadensis and Withania somnifera, Azadirachta indica karnel, Allium sativum bulb extract and bioagents viz, Trichoderma viride, T. harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens were evaluated for efficacy in reducing the severity of post-harvest fruit rot (Pestalotiopsis palmarum) in guava. In vitro tests against P. palmarum indicated that the maximum inhibition of mycelial growth and spore germination was with A. barbadensis leaf extract. Leaf extract from V. rosea proved to be the least effective against the spore germination and in pre- and post-inoculation treatments. Leaf extracts from Ocimum sanctum and A. indica were proved to be equally effective while leaf extract from V. rosea and nimbecidin were least effective against the fruit rot. Mycelial growth of P. palmarum was significantly inhibited by T harzianum followed by T viride. P. fluorescens caused the least inhibition. T harzianum rendered the lowest severity of the Pestalotiopsis rot in semi-ripe stage of guava fruits in pre- and post-inoculation treatments.