Effects of plant aqueous extract of Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf. on sorghum seed germination and it efficacy in controlling Phoma sorghina (Sacc.) Boerema Dorenbosh and Van Kesteren transmission from naturally infected seed to sorghum plant organs and grains in field

Abstract

The effect of aqueous extract of Cymbopogon citratus on sorghum seed germination and its efficacy against Phoma sorghina transmission to sorghum vegetative organs and seed were studied in field conditions in 2008–2010. During these years, we also examined the effect of panicle protection on the reduction of P. sorghina infection. The aqueous extract of C. citratus lowers sorghum seed germination compared to untreated seeds, seeds treated with water and those treated with fungicide calthio C. P. sorghina is transmitted to the whole vegetative organs and seed of all the treatments. However, the aqueous extract of C. citratus significantly reduces the transmission of P. sorghina compared to untreated seeds, to seeds treated with water and those treated with fungicide. The protection of sorghum panicles before flowering limits the infection by P. sorghina compared to the panicles not protected.