Research Article

Integrated Management of Fusarium-Induced Dry Rot in Sweet Potato Using Indigenous Plant Extracts and Rhizospheric Antagonists

Volume: 47 Number: 2 April 29, 2026

Integrated Management of Fusarium-Induced Dry Rot in Sweet Potato Using Indigenous Plant Extracts and Rhizospheric Antagonists

Abstract

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) production in Nigeria is severely limited by Fusarium-induced dry rot. This study evaluated the integrated management of Fusarium spp. using indigenous plant extracts and rhizospheric microorganisms. A survey of 100 farmlands in Ogun State identified Fusarium as the predominant pathogen, accounting for 61.2% of isolates. Quantitative phytochemical screening of six indigenous plants revealed that Zingiber officinale contained the highest concentrations of alkaloids, saponins, and phenols. In vitro assays showed that 20% Z. officinale ethanol extract inhibited mycelial growth by over 70%. Furthermore, Trichoderma and Bacillus species isolated from the rhizosphere demonstrated significant antagonistic activity; with one of the Trichoderma isolate achieving 71.7% inhibition. Field and storage trials confirmed that integrated application reduced disease incidence and improved plant vigour (length of stem and number of leaves). These results suggest that combining Z. officinale extracts with biocontrol agents offers a sustainable, eco‑friendly alternative to chemical fungicides

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Tai Solarin University of Education

Project Number

001

Ethical Statement

Not Applicable

Thanks

Thanks

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Plant Pathology

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

April 29, 2026

Submission Date

April 13, 2025

Acceptance Date

April 16, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 47 Number: 2

APA
Ade-ogunnowo, F. (2026). Integrated Management of Fusarium-Induced Dry Rot in Sweet Potato Using Indigenous Plant Extracts and Rhizospheric Antagonists. Cumhuriyet Science Journal, 47(2), 266-275. https://doi.org/10.17776/csj.1675286

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