Individual and combined effects of berberine and santonin on spore germination of some fungi

Berberine and santonin were isolated from rhizomes of Berberis aristata and unexpended newer buds of Artemisia maritima, respectively. Efficacy of the se two chemicals individually as well as of their mixtures, was tested agai nst spore germination of some saprophytic and obligate fungi. While berberi ne individually was effective against most of the fungi, Helminthosporium s pp, were least affected even at the highest dose (1500 ppm). Santonin was e qually effective against several fungi. Mixture of both alkaloids found to be more effective than individual ones. Keeping the dose of berberine const ant and santonin at two different concentrations (viz. 250 and 500 ppm) the spore germination of Helminthosporium oryzae was stimulated. Increasing co ncentration of santonin inhibited the spore germination of all other fungi tested, Colletotrichum capsici being affected only by 20 and 5 % (at berber ine concentration of 250 and 500 ppm, respectively). On the other hand, san tonin being constant and berberine at different concentrations, the mixture was effective against all the fungi.