Abstract: In vitro experiments by direct confrontation, were conducted to assess the inhibitory effect of nine compost extracts, made with different mixtures of animal manure proportions, on some phytopathogenic fungi (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici, F. solani, F. graminearum, Fusicoccum amygdalis, Alternaria sp., Colletotrichum coccodes, Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Aspergillus niger, Rhizoctonia solani, R. bataticola, Pythium sp. and Verticillium dahliae). Compost extracts decreased the radial growth of all fungi tested, except for Aspergillus niger. In fact, fungal radial growth inhibition ranged from 0 for A. niger to 63.17% for V. dahliae. Higher antifungal activity was also noted against F. oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici and F. solani with 38.12 and 31.87%, respectively. However, lesser inhibition, of about 10.33%, was obtained against R. bataticola. Compost extract C2, based on 60% cattle manure, 30% sheep manure and 10% ground straw and compost extract C7, based on 40% cattle manure, 40% sheep manure and 20% vegetable wastes, were found to be the most effective against the fungi tested. These extracts contain an important microflora which seem to be involved in this antifungal activity. |