Vol. 7, Issue 10, Part A (2025)

Root and stem rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina represents a significant agricultural challenge, spreading through contaminated seeds and soil-borne residual materials that persist in cropping systems. This soil borne pathogen poses a substantial economic threat to Indian agriculture, with yield losses ranging from 5-100% under epidemic conditions, making it one of the most destructive diseases affecting multiple crop species. The growing emphasis on eco-friendly pest management has driven researchers to explore sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides. Among various plant-based control strategies, essential oils have emerged as promising bioactive compounds with significant antifungal potential. These volatile, odoriferous organic compounds represent complex mixtures of secondary plant metabolites extracted from leaves, bark, stems, and other plant tissues. Essential oils demonstrate broad-spectrum biological activities, including antibacterial, insecticidal, and antimicrobial properties, positioning them as valuable tools for integrated disease management. The multifaceted nature of essential oils makes them particularly effective against phytopathogenic fungi like M. phaseolina (synonym: Rhizoctonia bataticola). Their volatile compounds can disrupt fungal cell membranes, interfere with enzymatic processes, and inhibit spore germination and mycelial growth. Unlike synthetic fungicides, essential oils typically exhibit lower environmental persistence and reduced risk of resistance development. This study focuses on evaluating various essential oils for their efficacy against M. phaseolina under controlled in vitro conditions. This research contributes to the broader goal of developing environmentally compatible disease management strategies that reduce dependence on synthetic chemicals while maintaining effective pathogen control.