Author(s): Mrinmoy Das, Sandhya Chhetri, Mahima Arora, Aneesha George, Jayshree Das, and Priya V

Abstract: The antifugal activity of methanol extracts of Piper betle (leaves) and its fractions was evaluated against Rhizoctonia Solani by agar well diffusion method. Phytochemical analysis of the extract, revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, tannins, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides. In antifungal assay the methanol extract and its four fractions (Fractions 6, 7, 9 and 10) displayed activity against R. solani. Fraction 6 exhibited the highest zone of inhibition (33- 45 mm at 5-20%) with MIC value of 0.78 mg/ml. Fraction 6 and 7 showed maximum inhibition up to 10% concentration, showing no further increase in activity upon increasing the concentration. Fraction 9 and 10 displayed zone of inhibition 10-17 mm, while fraction 12 was not effective. Better antifungal activity displayed by fraction 6 highlighted further research on identification of the active compounds, which could be useful in developing antifungal agent for controlling R. solani.