Effect of aqueous leaf extracts on a spot fungus (Fusarium sp) isolated from cowpea. – M.N.Suleiman, S.A. Emua, and A.Taiga
ABSTRACT
Aqueous leaf extracts were obtained from the matured leaves of three medicinal plants: namely, bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), Senna alata, and lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus). They were evaluated for their antifungal activity over Fusarium sp, a pathogenic spot fungus of many economic crops. Vegetative growth values for Fusarium sp at 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0% and 3.5 % concentrations were generally low compared with the control; complete inhibition of fungal mycelial growth was exhibited with 3.0% and 3.5% concentrations of Senna alata extract. A statistical evaluation of variance showed a significant difference between mycelial radial growths values recorded on the various plant extracts concentrations used compared with the control. Plant extracts readily available and affordable and environmentally friendly in the control of Fusarium sp. Plant extracts could serve as a reference material in further studies involving other pathogens of economic crops.