EFFECT OF BOTANICALS AGAINST FUNGI (Botryodiplodia theobromae) ON WEIGHT LOSS AND FRUIT DECAY OF THREE VARIETIES OF BANANA (Musa sapientum L.)

Abstract

An experiment was carried out to study the effect of botanicals against fungi Botryodiplodia theobromae on the weight loss and fruit decay of three varieties of banana fruits. The botanicals, namely Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Lantana camara and Azadirachta indica leaf extracts were administered to the banana fruits (Gross Michel, Dwarf Cavendish and Lady’s Finger) inoculated with fungal pathogens. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in two factorial combinations and replicated three times. The results obtained showed a significant  (P<0.005) difference among the treatments. The results further revealed that, Lady’s Finger variety had the highest percentage weight loss (7.59%, 13.29%, 42.92%, 69.41% and 77.04%) and fruit decay (22.13%, 42.33%, 53.31% and 69.92%). All the botanical extracts gave decent results in fruit weight and decay than the control. However, Eucalyptus leaf extract performed better (3.08% and 6.64%) in reducing weight loss at 3^rd and 6^th days respectively, though not statistically different with neem extract. Neem extract was generally superior than all other plant extracts next to mancozeb. The use of botanicals could be a better alternative for controlling fungal disease of banana fruits in storage.