LAUSR

Plant pathogenic fungi deteriorate roots leading immense losses to agricultural economy of Pakistan, for this reason research was conducted to investigate the fungicidal potential of Grewia asiatica leaves powder against infectious fungi to ameliorate the cowpea and bottle gourd growth. In vitro, 100% concentration of G. asiatica leaves (aqueous extract) showed prodigious growth inhibition against tested fungi (Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum and Macrophomina phaseolina) recorded in paper disc and well methods, while 75% concentration controlled both F. oxysporumand M. phaseolina but 50% only suppressed the mycelium of F. oxysporum observed in both methods as compared to control. In vivo, leaves powder of G. asiatica used as organic amendment at 0.5 and 0.1% showed effectual enhancement on plant growth, where 1.0% suppressed the Macrophomina phaseolina, Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium spp. colonization notably. Leaves extract of G. asiatica at 100% recorded greater suppression of pathogenic fungi colonization significantly when drenched in soil, while 75% showed maximum inhibition of root decay pathogens but highest plant growth found by 50% concentration. Furthermore, when tested seeds treated with 100% extract of G. asiatica leaves showed elevation in the growth on both hosts and controlling the colonization of pathogenic fungi as compared to 75 and 50% concentrations.