Efficacy of Neem (Azadirachta Indica) and Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum) Leaf Extracts Against Early Blight of Tomato

The objective of the present work is to compare and study the effect of plant extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) against Alternaria solani which causes early blight disease on tomato plants. Aqueous and ethylacetate leaf extracts of different concentrations were used. Foliar treatment of tomato plants with 30 % aqueous tulsi extract decreased the disease incidence to 40 %. Disease severity and control of pathogen after inoculation were also analyzed. The highest disease incidence was recorded as 82.1 % with test control whereas the lowest as 25.2 % with plants treated with pathogen and tulsi aqueous extract. Among the groups treated with neem 30 % concentration of aqueous extract showed beneficial effect. The aqueous extract of tulsi leaves was the best one in reducing disease severity than that of neem leaves. The increase in some biochemical parameters, pigment system and antioxidant enzymes were corresponded with the reduction of disease severity. Tulsi extracts exhibited significant control of disease progress than neem extracts. It may be suggested as a promising tool against early blight pathogens. © 2014, The National Academy of Sciences, India.