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
Project Number
Ethical Statement
Thanks
References
- El Bilali, H., Nanema, R. K., Rokka, V. M., Dan Guimbo, I., Kiebre, Z., Siciliano, R. A., Tietiambou, S. R., Dambo, L., Nanema, J., Grazioli, F., & Acasto, F. (2025). Research on sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) in West Africa: State, features and gaps. Agronomy, 15(4), 766. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15040766
- Zhao, X., & Liang, K. (2025). Study on the occurrence pattern and field management of sweet potato root rot. Molecular Pathogenesis, 16. doi: 10.5376/mp.2025.16.0011
- Yang, J. W., Nam, S. S., Lee, H. U., Choi, K. H., Hwang, S. G., & Paul, N. C. (2018). Fusarium root rot caused by Fusarium solani on sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) in South Korea. Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology, 40(1), 90-95. https://doi.org/10.1080/07060661.2017.1394914
- Mousa, T., Farag, F., Armanious, H., Salem, A., & Galal, A. (2018). Fusarium wilt of sweet potato caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. batatas in Egypt. Egyptian Journal of Phytopathology, 46, 21-35.
- George, J., Reddy, G. V., Wadl, P. A., Rutter, W., Culbreath, J., Lau, P. W., Rashid, T., Allan, M. C., Johaningsmeier, S. D., Nelson, A. M., & Wang, M. L. (2024). Sustainable sweetpotato production in the United States: Current status, challenges, and opportunities. Agronomy Journal, 116(2), 630-660. https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.21539
- Christian, C. L. (2023). Characterization of Fusarium dry rot pathogens of potato and Fusarium dry rot disease management in the Pacific Northwest of the United States [Doctoral dissertation, University of Idaho]. College of Graduate Studies.
- Aremu, A. O., Omogbene, T. O., Fadiji, T., Lawal, I. O., Opara, U. L., & Fawole, O. A. (2024). Plants as an alternative to the use of chemicals for crop protection against biotic threats: Trends and future perspectives. European Journal of Plant Pathology, 170(4), 711-766. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-024-02924-y
- Hari, A., Echchgadda, G., Benjelloun, M., Lahmamsi, H., Belabess, Z., Laasli, S. E., Mokrini, F., Lazraq, A., & Lahlali, R. (2025). Sustainable plant-based control strategies for late blight disease of potato. CAB Reviews, 20(1), 0001.https://doi.org/10.1079/cabireviews.2025.0001
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Plant Pathology
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Publication Date
April 29, 2026
Submission Date
April 13, 2025
Acceptance Date
April 16, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 47 Number: 2