Groundnut is infected by 55 pathogens which adversely contribute to the low yield of groundnuts. Three sub-trials were conceived to proffer solutions to groundnut Cylindrocladium parasiticum disease. These sub-trials (using biocontrol, synthetic and botanical measures) were set up in vitro using completely randomized design with each treatment replicated thrice. Firstly, all biocontrol (Trichoderma) isolates showed a steady linear increase in the inhibition of the growth of the pathogen. There was no significant difference (P≤0.05) between the isolates of Trichoderma harzianum at 96 h after inoculation (HAI). Secondly, the synthetic pesticide Mancozeb® 100% significantly inhibited the pathogen more than all other synthetic chemical treatments, followed by Mancozeb 50%, Tandem® 100% and Tandem 50% (which were at par (at 144 HAI)). Thirdly, the botanical Parkia sp. 100% was significantly superior to other botanicals (192 HAI results). Likewise, Casuarina sp. 100% and Parkia sp. 50% were at par but performed better than other treatments except for Parkia sp. 100%. Inhibition by Casuarina sp. 50% was at par with Parkia sp. 50% but it was significantly superior to other treatments (except for Parkia sp. 100%, Casuarina sp. 100%, and Parkia sp. 50%). Finally, all trials showed that Mancozeb 100% performed better than other treatments.
Aspergillus flavus contaminates the seeds of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and produces mycotoxins. This study was carried out to proffer solutions to the infection caused by A. flavus on cowpea seeds. The in vitro trial was set up using two rates (50 and 100%) of each potential control agent (mancozeb, COPMET (Copper-I-oxide + metalaxyl), and aqueous extracts of Eucalyptus and neem) and a control (0%). The botanical extracts and pesticides inhibited the fungus growth significantly (P≤0.05) at different times. Both concentrations of mancozeb gave 100% inhibition of the fungus at 24–168 hours after incubation (HAI). At 24 HAI, Eucalyptus extract (50 and 100%) completely inhibited the fungus growth similar to mancozeb. Eucalyptus extract was more effective than neem extract and COPMET throughout. Though the extracts of both botanicals inhibited the growth of A. flavus at 168 HAI, Eucalyptus (83.8-89.2%) was more potent than neem (20.3–28.4%). At 48-168 HAI, both concentrations of neem extract and COPMET had similar effect on the fungus. The early stage of the antimycotic intervention is critical to the control of the fungus. This can be achieved by dressing cowpea seeds with mancozeb or Eucalyptus. However, due to the high cost and toxicity of synthetic chemicals, Eucalyptus extract could be used as an alternative for management of the fungus or incorporated into integrated disease management programmes for A. flavus. Research on the effects of long-term storage of cowpea using these botanicals is highly admonished.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.