Exploring the Effects of Plant Extracts, Biological Agents and Essential Oils on the Non-Chemical Management of Banana Leaf Spot Disease

The present research aimed to effectively manage Fusarium oxysporum, the causal agent of banana leaf spot disease, through the utilization of diverse botanical extracts, essential oils, and biocontrol agents. Various concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%) of botanical extracts, namely Garlic, Turmeric, Ginger, Neem, and Mint, were tested to assess their antifungal efficacy. Garlic demonstrated complete inhibition of radial growth (0.00 mm), with decreasing growth observed in Neem, Turmeric, Ginger, and the most extensive growth seen in Mint (32.83, 21.33, and 16.25 mm, respectively). Antifungal effects of specific essential oils (Clove, Tarpin, Castor, Bitter chamomile, Neem) were evaluated using the poisoned food technique at the mentioned concentrations. Clove exhibited complete growth inhibition (0.00 mm), followed by Tarpin, Castor, and Neem. Conversely, Bitter Chamomile oil promoted maximum growth (35.41, 30.41, and 25.50 mm). Control plates displayed growth of 90 mm. The study also assessed different in vitro biocontrol agents (Trichoderma harzianum, Zasmidium anthuriicola, Penicillium sclerotiorum, Hypocrea lixii, and Chaetomium subaffine) against the target pathogen. Among these, Z. anthuriicola (18.41 mm) prevented F. oxysporum growth most effectively, followed by T. harzianum, P. sclerotiorum, C. subaffine, and H. lixii. While managing this destructive disease remains a significant challenge, the eco-friendly strategies employed in the study demonstrated that Garlic extract, Clove oil, and the biocontrol agent Z. anthuriicola substantially hindered the mycelial growth of the target pathogen.