Study the inhibitory effect of Mustard seed powder on the growth of Sclerotium rolfsii

Groundnut is an important crop in all over the world. The cultivation of groundnut is limited by stem and pod rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii. Worldwide the groundnut yield loss due to stem rot is 10 to 25 percent. The fungus, S. rolfsii has a wide host range. In the present study S. rolfsii was exposed to mustard seed powder (MSP) at different concentrations (20, 50, 100 and 200 mg) under in vitro conditions. This bioassay was conducted using two types of methods; (a) Continuously exposing to single MSP and (b) fresh MSP was replenished every 24 hours. Cent per cent inhibition of S. rolfsii was observed at 100 and 200 mg of MSP in both the methods. But, 50 mg concentration was also inhibited growth of S. rolfsii up to 93.10% after 72 hours. All results are calculated that MSP has inhibitory effect against S. rolfsii it may be used as future to reduce soil borne diseases..