Inhibitory effects of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) on stem-end rot of mango caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae

To identify Botryosphaeriaceae fungal species that are associated with stem-end rot of mango, and to study their pathogenicity on mango fruit. Based on the sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), TEF1-α and β-tubulin, as well as on the phylogenetic analysis of combined sequences, four species of Lasiodiplodia (L. theobromae,L. pseudotheobromae, L. iranensis, L. mahajangana) and two species of Neofusicoccum (N. ribis, N. parvum) were identified. Pseudofusicoccum violaceum, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum and three species of Botryosphaeria (B. scharifii, B. dothidea, B. ramosa) were identified based on sequences of ITS and TEF1-α. Pathogenicity test of selected isolates were tested on Chok Anan, Waterlily and Falan mango cultivars. Generally, all species were observed to be pathogenic on the three tested mango cultivars on wounded fruits, except for N. ribis and N. parvum, which were pathogenic on both wounded and unwounded fruits. However, N. ribis was only pathogenic on cultivar Falan, whereas B. ramosa were pathogenic on cultivars Waterlily and Falan. Eleven species of Botryosphaeriaceae were associated with mango stem-end rot in Malaysia. To the best of our knowledge, four species, namely L. mahajangana, B. ramosa, N. ribis and P. violaceum are the first recorded Botryosphaeriaceae fungi associated with stem end rot of mango. The identification of Botryosphaeriaceae fungi is important to establish suitable control measures and quarantine requirements. Many species have a wide host range, which means that there is a possibility of cross infection from other infected plants.

In July 2013, a severe postharvest rot of mango fruits (cv. Lippens), with symptoms identical to stem-end rot caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae or Neofusicoccum parvum, was found in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. From affected fruit, Diaporthe species were consistently isolated. The isolates reproduced the original symptoms in healthy mango fruits after inoculation and were re-isolated from the inoculated fruits. Based on morphology and a phylogenetic analysis of rDNA-ITS, CAL, H3, EF1-α, and TUB, the isolates were classified into two Diaporthe species (Clade I and Clade II). In terms of susceptibility to procymidone, a registered fungicide against mango stem-end rot in Japan, the two Diaporthe species were less sensitive than previously reported mango stem-end rot pathogens and had MIC and EC50 values higher than the standard concentration applied.

Stem end rot is a well-established postharvest disease of mango caused by the fungi Neofusicoccum parvum (Pennycook & Samuels) Crous, Slippers and A.J.L. Phillips and Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat.) Griff & Maubl. Dendritic spot is a newly emerging disease of mango. The pathogenic fungi which cause anthracnose and stem end rot such as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz & Sacc. in Penz and N. parvum respectively also cause dendritic spot of mango. However, a number of other fungi such as Fusicoccum sp., Alternaria sp. and Lasiodiplodia theobromae have also been isolated from dendritic spot symptoms from time to time. Very little work has been reported on dendritic spot as the symptoms of this disease are easily confused with other skin blemishes of mango such as tear stain. This study investigates the aetiology of dendritic spot. Fruit bagging experiments were carried out on Kensington Pride (KP) and R2E2 cultivars of mango to investigate the time of infection of dendritic spot and stem end rot. The fruit were bagged at four different growth stages. The results showed that fruit bagged at golf ball size which remained bagged until harvest had low incidence of dendritic spot and stem end rot. Higher incidence was observed in the fruit which were bagged close to harvest and the un-bagged control fruit. It was concluded from the results that pathogens invade the fruit at an early growth stage and fruit protection at this stage of growth can help in minimizing postharvest disease incidence. The effect of conventional and improved orchard practices on the management of anthracnose and stem end rot was also studied. The experiment was carried out in Pakistan. Three districts of Punjab province of Pakistan were selected for the study. The fruit of Chaunsa cultivar of mango were collected from growers’ conventional practice blocks and ASLP (Agriculture Sector Linkages Program) improved practice blocks. In the conventional practice blocks, there was irregular application of foliar and pesticides sprays, non-consistent use of fertilizers with a minimum use of cultural practices such as irrigation, pruning, weeding and soil nutrition analysis, use of recommended foliar sprays of fungicides for disease management at different fruit growth stages, pest management and nutrient management by annual application of NPK. Whereas, the improved practice blocks were maintained by cultural practices. A low incidence of anthracnose and stem end rot was observed in the fruit which was collected from the ASLP improved practice blocks as compared to the incidence observed in the fruit collected from the conventional practices blocks. Postharvest application of exogenous ethylene on mature fruit to induce uniform skin colour and ripening and hot fungicide dips to minimize postharvest disease incidence are common practices used by Australian mango growers. Early fruit ripening facilitated by exogenous ethylene is helpful in early fruit marketability, but it can result in higher disease incidence in case of prolonged fruit storage or higher fruit storage temperature. The effect of exogenous ethylene and hot fungicide dip with fludioxonil was investigated when both treatments were applied on the fruit alone and in combination with each other. The results showed that the application of exogenous ethylene alone caused higher incidence of dendritic spot and stem end rot when the fruit received frequent rainfall during the growing season. This higher incidence of both dendritic spot and stem end rot could also be because of accelerated fruit ripening and decline in fruit resistance. But, when low or no rainfall was received during the season, a low incidence of dendritic spot and stem end rot was observed when the exogenous ethylene was applied on the mature fruit. Fruit hot-dipped in the fungicide fludioxonil followed by the exogenous ethylene had zero to minimum incidence of both dendritic spot and stem end rot. Market surveys were carried out to determine the geographical distribution of the dendritic spot pathogens and to collect the dendritic spot and stem end rot pathogens. Disease pathogens were isolated from fruit from Northern Territory, North and Southeast Queensland. All isolates of Colletotrichum collected from anthracnose were identified morphologically and phylogenetically as C. gloeosporioides but the isolates which were collected from the dendritic spot symptoms were identified by Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and Trans elongation Factor (TEF) 1- α as, C. gloeosporioides, C. siamense, and C. asianum. All the Neofusicoccum isolates collected from dendritic spot and stem end rot symptoms were identified as N. parvum and N. occulatum by using the ITS and TEF gene regions. One isolate of stem end rot was identified as Botryosphaeria dothidea. To determine the role of C. gloeosporioides, N. parvum, L. theobromae and Alternaria sp. in causing dendritic spot in mango, the isolates of these fungi were assessed for pathogenicity. This work identified C. siamense, C. asianum, N. parvum and N. occulatum as the most virulent pathogens causing dendritic spot.

Control of postharvest stem-end rot on mango by antifungal metabolites of Trichoderma pinnatum LS029-3

Despite considerable research globally on postharvest diseases of mango, virtually no work has been done to determine the occurrence of these diseases and their causal agents in Fiji. This study is the first major field and market survey of postharvest diseases of mango in Fiji. For the field survey, fruits from five local mango cultivars were harvested at each of five locations. Fruits from five imported cultivars were also harvested from one location in Nadi. For the market survey, vendors were selected at five municipal markets for fruit collection, along with ten roadside stalls. For field and market surveys, fruits were incubated at 23°C and assessed for postharvest disease (incidence and severity of body rots and stem end rots) when ripe. Isolations were made from disease lesions and fungal cultures were identified using multilocus sequence typing. High incidences of body and stem end rots were recorded across all surveys. In the field survey of local cultivars, ‘Salusalu’ fruits were found to have the lowest severity of body rot and stem end rot on average, while for imported cultivars, ‘Nam Doc Mai’ had the lowest average severity of these diseases. The market survey showed that ‘Salusalu’ had a lower incidence of anthracnose on the body of fruit compared to all other cultivars, although it did have a surprisingly high incidence of stem end rot at some localities. Fungal isolates from anthracnose lesions in the field and market surveys were identified as Colletotrichum asianum, C. simmondsii and C. fructicola. C. asianum was the predominant species associated with anthracnose symptoms, accounting for 97% of isolations. Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Neofusicoccum parvum were the predominant species found in association with mango stem end rot symptoms. Other species isolated from mango stem end rot in lesser numbers included L. brasiliensis, N. umdonicola and N. kwambonambiense. All of these fungi represent new reports for Fiji.

Anthracnose and stem-end rot are the main postharvest mango diseases in the Brazilian Northeast. In order to determine the incidence and prevalence of these diseases, near ripe (stage 3) Tommy Atkins fruits were collected from thirty orchards, aged 10 to 12 years old. Inspections and records regarding agricultural practices were undertaken in order to characterize the orchards and evaluate the risk of diseases. Additionally, three experiments were conducted to evaluate different fungicides. Fruits were harvested in Tommy Atkins orchards sprayed with different fungicides and disease incidences were evaluated for two weeks. General averages of incidence and prevalence of stem-end rot were 14.44% and 86.67% respectively, while those of anthracnose were 5.55% and 36.67%. Pearson’s chi-squared test identified a significant association between management practices and the occurrence of diseases. The risk of producing diseased fruits is larger in orchards that do not remove residues beneath or above the canopy or diseased panicles and do not adopt good agricultural practices. For orchards that do not adopt good agricultural practices, the relative risk was a 3.82 times higher chance of producing diseased fruits compared to those that adopt good agricultural practices. The fungicides that exhibited efficiency in disease control were pyraclostrobin (0.10 g/L), copper oxychloride (1.60 g/L) and tetraconazole (0.10 g/L). According to the results, in order to control anthracnose and stem-end rot in mangos, producers should spray the orchards with pyraclostrobin, copper oxychloride and tetraconazole fungicides, remove malformed panicles and diseased residues above and beneath the canopy

In November 2013, a Japanese fruit importer noted a large, black, water-soaked lesion at the stem end of a mango from the Philippines. A fungus was isolated from the lesion and identified as a Neofusicoccum sp. closely related to Neofusicoccum sp. karanda, based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses. The isolated fungus caused black, water-soaked lesions on mango after back-inoculation. The symptoms were also very similar to those caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae, which causes stem-end rot on mangos in Japan. Therefore, we propose the addition of Neofusicoccum sp. closely related to Neofusicoccum sp. karanda as a cause of stem-end rot on mango.

Diaporthe spp. isolated from stem-end rot lesions of several cultivars of mango were phylogenetically identified as Diaporthe arecae, Diaporthe eugeniae, Diaporthe pascoei, Diaporthe perseae, and Diaporthe ueckerae based on Internal Transcribed Spacer, Translation Elongation Factor-1α, and β-tubulin sequences. Pathogenicity test showed that species identified as D. pascoei and D. ueckerae isolates produced stem-end rot symptoms on tested mango cvs Chok Anan, Waterlily, and Falan. Diaporthe arecae was pathogenic both on Chok Anan and Waterlily, while D. perseae produced rotting symptoms only on Chok Anan. Diaporthe eugeniae was not pathogenic in all tested mango cultivars. Our study indicates that pathogenic Diaporthe spp. are possibly opportunistic pathogens.

? ? ? ? ?This study was conducted to evaluate the experimented product Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) Liquid Laundry Detergent Product. Specifically, it sought answers to the following questions: What are the ingredients used in making laundry detergent product?, What are the methods and procedures used in making laundry detergent product as to liquid laundry detergent and fabric softener?, What is the level of acceptability of laundry detergent product in terms of appearance, scent, texture and usefulness?, Is there a significant difference between the evaluation of the acceptability of laundry detergent product using lemongrass and the level of acceptability of branded commercial detergent?, and What is the laboratory analysis of lemongrass (cymbopogon citratus) laundry detergent product? ????????? The study made use of experimental and descriptive method. Though in its entirety this research is experimental in design the evaluation is descriptive to determine the acceptability of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) into Laundry Detergent Product with a total of thirty (30) family members of Barangay Bagumbayan, Santa Cruz, Laguna and ten (10) business owners within the Municipality of Santa Cruz, Laguna were involved. Questionnaires was the main tool used to gather data about the developed laundry detergent product. The overall acceptability of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) Liquid Laundry Detergent as rated by business owners and family members was interpreted as in terms of appearance is 4.53, scent is 4.845, texture is 4.55 and usefulness is 4.655 respectively which implies as very strongly acceptable. While the overall acceptability of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) Fabric Softener as rated by business owners and family members was interpreted as in terms of appearance is 4.88, scent is 4.75, texture is 4.585 and usefulness is 4.715 respectively which implies as very strongly acceptable. Based on the findings of data presented the ratings of the group of respondents meant that there was no significant on the ratings given by them on the level of acceptability of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) Liquid Laundry Detergent in terms of appearance (t=-0.907, p=0.376), scent (t=1.116, p=0.279), texture (t=0.124, p=0.903), usefulness (t=-0.478, p= 0.639) as reflected by the computed t-value and p-value which are almost the same as with the commercially branded laundry detergent. While the findings of the data presented the ratings of the group of respondents meant that there was no significant on the ratings given by them on the level of acceptability of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) Fabric Softener and commercially branded fabric softener in terms of appearance (t=-1.464, p=0.160), scent (t=0.545, p=0.593), texture (t=0.361, p=0.722), and usefulness (t=-0.624, p=0.541 as reflected by the computed t-value and p-value which are almost the same as with the commercially branded laundry detergent as per evaluation of the respondents. Laboratory tests revealed significant information about the Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) Liquid Laundry Detergent Product with the following sample code test analysis respectively which states that the liquid laundry detergent, lemongrass oil, washing soda, fabric softener, sodium benzoate and washing soda have high percentage of antibacterial content on a certain bacterium as the Staphylococcus Aureus. Conclusion ????????? The analysis of data presented and the ratings of the group of respondents meant that there was no significant difference in the ratings of the acceptability of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) Liquid Laundry Detergent and Fabric Softener in terms of appearance, scent, texture and usefulness. Recommendations In view of the findings and conclusion of the study, the following recommendations are given: 1) Look for another ingredient/s for the liquid laundry detergents bubbler that will help produce more bubbles while washing so that the consumer will enjoy the washing, 2) Find some ingredient as liquid viscosity that will makes the liquid laundry detergent thicker than the usual, 3) Container of the liquid laundry detergent product should be uniform in shape and size with distinction of which is the liquid detergent and fabric softener, 4) Do bring the detergent for a test in a laboratory to find out its best before date or expiration and have it written on the label, 5) For future researchers who will conduct same study to try other coloring on the laundry detergent to become more appealing to the possible buyer.

Background: Essential oils of Lemon (Citrus limon) and Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) are commonly used in therapeutic contexts including stress-reduction. There is paucity of detailed phytochemical research on chemical constituents of Citrus limon and Cymbopogon citratus essential oils to delineate their therapeutic potentials including reduction of stress. There is also dearth of comparative studies focusing on their phytochemical composition and their efficacy substantiating stress management. Objective: This study aims to authenticate and compare the chemical composition of essential oils of Citrus limon and Cymbopogon citratus and understand their potential in reduction of stress. Methodology: Leaves of Citrus limon and Cymbopogon citratus were collected, authenticated and hydrodistillation was conducted to produce Essential oils. The essential oils were analyzed qualitatively using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The efficacy in reduction of stress was carried-out utilizing structured questionnaire and observational schedule. Results: GC-MS analysis of essential oils from Citrus limon and Cymbopogon citratus revealed 52 (C.limon) and 82 (C.citratus) compounds, respectively. Essential oils of Citrus limon and Cymbopogon citratus exhibited appreciable composition of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes with therapeutic potency. Conclusion: The phytochemical composition of essential oils of Citrus limon and Cymbopogon citratus confirmed their therapeutic eminence, especially in reduction of stress. The reported chemical profile of essential oils of Citrus limon and Cymbopogon citratus affirms their efficacy in selective human therapy including aromatherapy. Recommendation: There is dearth of clinical research studies on essential oils of Citrus limon and Cymbopogon citratus substantiating their therapeutic efficacy in reduction of stress. Prevalence of stress and syndromes of anxiety related therapeutic developments are the dire needs of the present generation and therefore, concerted research efforts are worthy to substantiate their value in clinical therapeutics. Future predictive studies on variation in their chemical composition with strict attention on geographical and climatic variations are envisaged.

In this study, the toxicity of liquid culture media from different isolates of Lasiodiplodia theobromae was characterized and some properties of the toxic metabolites were distinguished. In this work toxin producing ability of L. theobromae was revealed by studying the physical parameters viz., osmotic potential, toxin concentration, pH, temperature and biological parameter like host specificity and wilting index. The obtained results showed that the optimal toxin-production conditions for L. theobromae in potato dextrose broth under pH 6.0, at 25-35°C for 7 days. The liquid culture from all isolates were toxic to mango plants and induced the rapid wilting. The toxin obtained from the liquid culture has thermal, acid base stability and a broad range of toxicity to main host and non-host plants. Moreover, the direct bioassay for two components of the liquid filtrates precipitated by ethanol showed that the active ingredient of the toxin is a kind of non protein substance, which was further endorsed by the papain hydrolysis analysis. Our results confirmed the chemical nature of toxic compound elucidating the favorable environmental conditions for toxin production of L. theobromae and proved potential role of toxic metabolites in the mechanism of disease development.

Molecular characterization of Botryosphaeriaceae causing stem end rot of mango in Pakistan

Stem end rot of mango: Characterizing disease dynamics and fruit quality deterioration from farm to retail in Saurashtra

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is an important economical crop in South China. In 2014, a stem-end rot disease was observed on mangoes 10 days after harvest from Sanya city（18.2° N and 106.5° E）, Ledong county（18.5° N and 109.1° E） and Lingshui county（18.5° N and 110.0° E）, Hainan province, China. Initial symptoms were dark brown small spots, quickly darkened and expanded into large spots with irregular margin and internal rotten flesh. Signs of the disease could be observed as fungal mycelium and pycnidia developing on the fruit surface. Twelve diseased fruits collected from 4 places weresurface disinfested using 75% ethanol, segments were dissected from the border between symptomatic and visually healthy peel and placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 25 °C. Four representative isolates ACCC 39317, ACCC 39318, ACCC 39320, and ACCC 39321 were purified using the single spore method and submitted to the Agricultural Culture Collection of China（ACCC）. The initial color of the colonies was translucent white, e...

Fungal species Lasiodiplodia theobromae of family Botryosphaeriaceae is a pathogen causing significant loss of production and quality of mango crop in Vietnam and worldwide. In this study, a fungal strain designed as XB1 was isolated from stem-end rot mango fruits, identified and tested its susceptibility to silver and copper nanoparticles. Strain identification based on biological characteristics and sequence analysis of 5.8S RNA indicated that the isolate XB1 was highly close (99%) to Lasiodiplodia theobromae, therefore named as Lasiodiplodia theobromae XB1. The inhibiting effects of Ag and Cu nanoparticles on the growth of L. theobromae XB1 were investigated at various concentrations. After seven days of plate cultivation, nano-Cu at 2000 ppm and 4000 ppm inhibited the fungal growth by 17.9 % and 52.4 %, respectively. With silver nanoparticles of about 20 nm in size, the effect seemed rather limited. At 400 ppm, the highest inhibition of 80% was observed after 4 days, then the growth fully resumed. However, another preparation, i.e. nano silver AgH of about 7 nm in size, showed significantly stronger inhibition against the fungus. At 20 ppm, AgH inhibited 90% of growth, comparable to 400 ppm of either carbendazim or hexaconazole. At 25 ppm, no growth was observed. The results suggested high potential of copper and silver nanoparticles AgH to replace toxic chemicals in controlling fungal pathogens of mango and other fruits.