Abstract
Rice husk extract (RHE), bamboo extract (BE) and wood extract (WE) at different concentration levels (0.0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%) were evaluated (in completely randomized design) in vitro as an antagonist to mycelial growth of selected fungal pathogens of maize. Botanical preparations were utilized singly (rice husk, bamboo and wood extracts) and in combinations (RHE x BE, RHE x WE, BE x WE and RHE x BE x WE). RHE at 1.0% concentration and in combination- RHE x BE x WE at 1.5% concentration, completely inhibited mycelial growth of Fusarium solani, Fusarium equiseti, Fusarium verticilloides and Macrophomina phaseolina. Other botanical preparations, either singly or in combinations showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in mycelial growth of the fungal pathogens. Thus, these botanicals have phytofungicidal potentials towards controlling pathogenic fungi of maize, hence, could be useful in the control and management of maize diseases on large scale farming. Key words: Rice husk, bamboo, wood, extract, maize, mycelial growth, fungal pathogens.
Highlights
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereals in the world after wheat and rice with regards to cultivation area and total production (Akinbode, 2010).Diseases have been a major constraint to maize production, it reduce the value and quality of maize grains produced (Lamprecht et al, 2008) and may definitely increase the cost of harvesting
Fusarium solani and Fusarium equiseti were obtained from Plant Pathology Unit, Department of Botany, University of Ibadan, while Macrophomina phaseolina, Curvularia lunata, Drechslera sp., Fusarium verticilloides and Bipolaris maydis were obtained from the Plant Pathology Unit of Institutes of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan
(0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%) is not far-fetched from a number of reports showing the efficacy of botanical extracts (Joshi et al, 2011; Manasathein et al, 2011)
Summary
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereals in the world after wheat and rice with regards to cultivation area and total production (Akinbode, 2010). Diseases have been a major constraint to maize production, it reduce the value and quality of maize grains produced (Lamprecht et al, 2008) and may definitely increase the cost of harvesting. Various approaches have been used over many decades to control maize diseases such as breeding for resistance and chemical pesticides (Tagne et al, 2008). The problems of chemical pesticides are resistance, pest resurgence, environmental pollution and risks to human health.
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