Abstract:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential of essential of from local plant in controlling some major seed-borne fungi of sorghum grow in Burkina Faso. Essential oils from Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass) Eucalyptus camaldulensis, (Eucalyptus) and crude oil from Azadirachta indica (Neem) were tested in vitro for inhibitory activity against Colletotrichum graminicola, Phoma sorghina and Fusarium moniliforme. Plant extracts were also tested on naturally infected sorghum seeds for controlling the fungi above mentioned. Essential oil from C. citratus significantly inhibited the in vitro radial growth of C. graminicola (76.2% inhibition), compared to the fungicide Dithane M-45. The mycelial growth of P. sorghina and F. moniliforme was slightly affected by this oil at the concentrations used. The extent of inhibition of the fungal growth was dependent on the concentration of essential oil used. Neem crude oil and Eucalyptus essential oil presented low inhibitory activity against test fungi. Concentrations of Eucalyptus essential oil were not harmful to sorghum seedling growth, while neem crude oil was highly phytotoxic. Essential oil of lemongrass at the concentration of 6% was effective in controlling seed-borne infection and seed-to-seedling transmission of C. graminicola and P. sorghina without affecting seedling development. Lemongrass has the potential to be used as sorghum seed treatment for controlling C. graminicola, P. sorghina and F. moniliforme.
I. Somda , V. Leth and P. Sereme , 2007. Antifungal Effect of Cymbopogon citratus, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Azadirachta indica Oil Extracts on Sorghum Seed-Borne Fungi. Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, 6: 1182-1189.
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