Screening of mungbean germplasm against fungal foliar diseases and in vitro management of pathogens

Forty advance lines were screened against two major fungal foliar diseases viz., Cercospora leaf spot and anthracnose of mungbean during the summer season under field conditions at NARC, Islamabad. Samples were collected from the field of these specific pathogens and purified. For management, three different plant extracts garlic, turmeric, and ginger were selected. Each extract has three different concentrations i.e. 2.5%, 5%, and 10%. By using food poisoning technique these extracts were used to check antifungal efficacy on PDA media and growth inhibition was determined. All of these extracts were found effective against anthracnose of mungbean while in the case of cercospora, only turmeric extract was found most effective against the pathogen. This research suggests garlic, turmeric, and ginger as eco-friendly biocontrol options, emphasizing the importance of innovative and eco-conscious strategies in crop disease management for food security and environmental sustainability.