Activity of Essential Oils and Plant Extracts as Biofungicides for Suppression of Soil-Borne Fungi Associated with Root Rot and Wilt of Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.)

Essential oils (EOs) and Plant extracts (PEs) are gaining attention as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides for the management of soil-borne fungi related root rot wilt marigolds. Here, EOs Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon), Mentha piperita (peppermint), Syzygium aromaticum (clove), Thymus vulgaris (thyme), PEs Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass), Lantana camara (lantana), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Zingiber officinales (ginger) were first evaluated in vitro their inhibitory activity against mycelium growth marigold: Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Fusarium oxysporum, F. vivo reducing disease progression. The results show that all had a strong on pathogens. Maximum inhibition was achieved at concentration 1 mL/Lof S. aromaticum, C. zeylanicum, M. piperita. values 100, 80.9, 72.4% 81.1, 70% 90.2, 79.4, 69.1% 85.4, 78.2, 68.7% R. respectively. Regarding plant extracts, highest attained 20% Z. officinales, citratus, L. camara. 77.4, 69.1, 60.6% 76.5, 67.2, 58% 73.5, 68.2, 56.3% 72, 64.8, 55.2% In pot experiments, application showed high efficiency suppressing marigold concentrations used, especially 3 mL/L seed soaking (along with 1.5 foliar spraying) EOs, (40% along PEs. All treatments applied field greatly reduced diseases both seasons, EO, PE, carbendazim treatments. This accompanied by significant improvement morphological, yield, phytochemical parameters well increase defense-related antioxidant enzymes. Overall, essential can be used effectively control sustainable botanical biofungicides.