Author(s): Dawen DE, Amienyo CA, Okechalu BO, Dapiya H and Kutshik RJ

Abstract: Phytophthora Infestans is known to develop resistance against synthetic fungicide commonly used in the control of potato late blight disease. Hence, there is urgent need to explore alternative fungicides which are potent, affordable, available, accessible, which are environment friendly and easy to prepare. The study was carried out to assess the antifungal potential of aqueous and N-hexane extracts of Syzygium Aromaticum (clove) Cinnamomum verum (Cinnamon), Glycine max (Soyabeans) and Petroselinum crispum (parsley) In vitro on P. infestans isolated from blighted potato leaves from potato farms in Jos-South LGA of Plataeu State Nigeria. In vitro, various concentrations of the plant extracts were assessed at concentrations of 100 mg/ml, 25 mg/ml, 6.25 mg/ml and 1.56 mg/ml by radial growth inhibition method while the in vivo study was based on the extract with highest Syzygium activity. The in vivo assessment was carried out by direct contact using 100mg/ml of the Syzygium Aromaticum. The observed rate of inhibition was 93%. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of clove aqueous extract against Phytophthora Infestans at 100mg/ml was observed. The minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) revealed that Clove (aq) had fungicidal activity at 100 mg/ml while other extracts had MFC greater than 100mg/ml. In vivo effect of clove extract on growth parameters (leaves, stems and height) on potato plants were monitored. Results obtained showed that there were no significant differences (p≤0.05) in all the treatments (clove, synthetic fungicide and untreated potato) against stems across the weeks (4, 6 and 8), after application. Severity assessment of blighted potato leaves was reduced by 25% between weeks 10 and 12. Yield of harvested potato ranged from 18.55±6.85 to 36.17±21.76 grams at p<0.05. This study thus confirms the antifungal potential of aqueous extract of Phytophthora on Phytophthora Infestans. Thus, it is recommended for use as a bio-fungicide in the management of potato late blight.

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