Ranthilini, P.W.C.K.Kuruppuarachchi, K.G.R.De Costa, D.M.2026-01-142026-01-142024-08-29Proceedings of the Peradeniya University International Research Sessions (iPURSE) – 2024, University of Peradeniya, P 2001391-4111https://ir.lib.pdn.ac.lk/handle/20.500.14444/7456Fungal colonization threatens to the archaeological value of the mirror-wall, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of several plant- based compounds and a chemical-disinfectant against fungi, comparing them to the present recommended synthetic fungicide, mancozeb. Commercial grade neem oil (NO), cinnamon bark oil (CBO), clove oil (CO), NO + CBO + CO mixture (1:1:1 ratio at v/v), Dorana oil (DO), Hal bark extract (HBE) and a mixture of DO and Hal resin (2:1 ratio at v/v) were tested at five concentrations (v/v). Benzalkonium chloride (BKC), a commercial-disinfect, was tested at the same concentrations and the recommended dosage of Mancozeb (2g/l) served as the reference. Five fungi (i.e. Acromonium isolates 1 and 2, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium isolates 1 and 2 and two unidentified fungal isolates) which are highly abundant on the mirror-wall surface were used for the study. Colony growth inhibitions by each concentration of the treatments were tested by poison food technique according to a complete randomized design with three replicates. Percentage colony growth inhibition was quantified in comparison to untreated control treatment. Except for the two Penicillium isolates, the other three fungal isolates were completely inhibited by NO +CBO + CO (1:1:1). One Penicillium isolate was fully inhibited at 0.5% concentration of the NO + CBO + CO mixture, while the other was inhibited at 1%. Colony growth of all five fungal isolates was completely suppressed by 0.1% BKC. None of the DO concentrations fully inhibited Acromonium isolate 1; A. niger and Penicillium isolate 2, while other fungal isolates showed a slight growth suppression. Mancozeb recommended dosage could not inhibit the colony growth of Acromonium isolate 1, A. niger and Penicillium isolates 1 and 2 completely. The results indicate BKC and NO +CBO + CO (1:1:1) as safer and more effective alternatives for currently used fungicide.en-USVateria CopalliferaTraditional Medicinal TreesBenzalkonium ChlorideArticle