Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Deodar Substrate and Hemp Seeds against Fungal Pathogens Infecting Apple

Authors

  • Arunesh Kumar Dept. of Plant Pathology, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh (173 230), India
  • Meenu Gupta Dept. of Vegetable Science, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh (173 230), India
  • Satish Kumar Sharma Dept. of Plant Pathology, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh (173 230), India
  • Surender Kumar Dept. of Biotechnology, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh (173 230), India
  • Chidembra Bhardwaj Dept. of Agriculture, Khalsa College Amritsar, Punjab (143 002), India
  • Ranjeet Singh Verma Dept. of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh (173 230), India
  • Ankita Dept. of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala (680 656), India
  • Gokul Kumar Dept. of Entomology, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh (176 062), India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23910/2/2025.6141

Keywords:

Bio-products, deodar sawdust, hempseed, apple, pathogens, sustainable

Abstract

The experiment was conducted during May–June, 2024 at Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Foresrty, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) to study the antimicrobial activity of deodar substrate and hemp seeds against major soil-borne pathogens of apple. An in vitro investigation was performed to assess the effects of deodar sawdust (Cedrus deodara) and hempseed (Cannabis sativa) on the mycelial growth of  three soil-borne (Fusarium oxysporum, Sclerotium rolfsii and Dematophora necatrix) and one foliar  (Colletotichum spp) pathogen in apple trees, aiming to find sustainable alternatives to chemical fungicides. The most significant inhibitory impact of this organic amendment was seen on Fusarium oxysporum, showing 74.44% reduction in growth with 23 mm mycelial development one week post inoculation, followed by Dematophora necatrix, which demonstrated  70.00% inhibition. Conversely, the least inhibition was noted for Sclerotium rolfsii (16.67%) which had maximum mycelial growth (75.00 mm). Combining deodar sawdust and hempseed could have synergistic effect and antagonistic effects to certain soil-borne pathogens in apple orchards, while complementary enhancement of soil health and resilience, however, it is important to conduct field trials for tailored recommendations.

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Published

02-05-2025

How to Cite

Kumar, A., Gupta, M., Sharma, S. K., Kumar, S., Bhardwaj, C., Verma, R. S., … Kumar, G. (2025). Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Deodar Substrate and Hemp Seeds against Fungal Pathogens Infecting Apple. International Journal of Economic Plants, 12(May, 3), 01–05. https://doi.org/10.23910/2/2025.6141

Issue

Vol. 12 No. May, 3 (2025)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 PP House

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