Phytoextracts as management tool against fungal diseases of vegetables

Abstract

Vegetables are the basic source of food, energy and dietary fibers for mankind. But the production of vegetables is affected due to various biotic and abiotic factors. Fungal pathogens are responsible of vegetable diseases and cause high economic losses. Synthetic fungicides which are toxic and harmful to environment are used to control vegetables diseases caused by fungal pathogens and now a day’s trend shifting towards healthy, safe and sound ecofriendly control of fungal pathogens. Phytoextracts of Azadirachta indica, Allium sativum and many others significantly inhibit the fungal growth and spore germination. Secondary metabolites of plants like polyphenols, glycosides, quinones, terpenoids, saponins, allicin, flavonoids and scopolamine cause fungal inhibition by disrupting mitochondria, cell membrane and cell wallof pathogen. Several technologies are being used for extraction of phytoextracts as these are natural bio-fungicides and there is further need to explore fungicidal activities in relation to human health.