The Inhibitory Effect of the Extracts and Powders of Three Medical Plants on Sclerotinia Sclerotiorum

The study was conducted to test the effect of aqueous extracts and powders of leaves of Stinkweed (Peganum harmala) , Nettle (Urtica dioica) and Everlasting (Helichysum stoechas) on the viability of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which causes seeds rot and seedlings damping-off. All extracts and powders showed antifungal activity against the tested fungus. Among the plants, H.  stoechas was the most effective followed by U. dioica. The antifungal effect may be due to the high content of phenols, flavonoids and tannins in plant extracts. The results showed that extracts or powders could be considered suitable alternative to chemical additives for the control of fungal diseases in plants.