Assessing the Efficacy of Lemongrass ( Cymbopogon citratus ) and Sambong ( Blumea balsamifera ) Extracts in Combating Black Pod Disease: Sustainable Solutions for Controlling Phytophthora megakarya in Cameroon’s Cocoa Plantations — Oak Academic Publishing
Research ArticleOpen AccessGoogle Scholar indexed
Assessing the Efficacy of Lemongrass ( Cymbopogon citratus ) and Sambong ( Blumea balsamifera ) Extracts in Combating Black Pod Disease: Sustainable Solutions for Controlling Phytophthora megakarya in Cameroon’s Cocoa Plantations
Innovative Plant Health Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FASA)-Bafia Annex, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
,
Innovative Plant Health Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FASA)-Bafia Annex, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
,
Innovative Plant Health Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FASA)-Bafia Annex, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
,
Innovative Plant Health Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FASA)-Bafia Annex, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
,
Laboratory of Phytopathology and Crop Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
,
Innovative Plant Health Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FASA)-Bafia Annex, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
,
Innovative Plant Health Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FASA)-Bafia Annex, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
,
Innovative Plant Health Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FASA)-Bafia Annex, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
,
IDepartment of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
,
Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FASA), University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
1 Innovative Plant Health Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FASA)-Bafia Annex, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
2 Innovative Plant Health Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FASA)-Bafia Annex, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
3 Innovative Plant Health Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FASA)-Bafia Annex, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
4 Innovative Plant Health Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FASA)-Bafia Annex, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
5 Laboratory of Phytopathology and Crop Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
6 Innovative Plant Health Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FASA)-Bafia Annex, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
7 Innovative Plant Health Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FASA)-Bafia Annex, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
8 Innovative Plant Health Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FASA)-Bafia Annex, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
9 IDepartment of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
10 Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FASA), University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
The use of plant extracts as antifungal agents is gaining increasing attention, particularly for the control of black pod disease in cocoa. Despite extensive research, current strategies haven’t been entirely effective. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Cymbopogon citratus and Blumea balsamifora leaf extracts, both individually and in combination, against Phytophthora meg a karya . We assessed the efficacy of the most promising combination (75% B . balsamifera , 25% C . citratus ) after storage at room temperature for up to 9 days. Agar microdilution and in vivo bioassays were conducted to determine antifungal susceptibility and effectiveness. Blumea extract exhibited the highest overall inhibitory activity, with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (117 µl mL − 1 ) while C . citratus had a narrower range of MIC (146 to 233 µl mL − 1 ). The combination of C . citratus and B . balsamifera demonstrated a synergistic effect against P . megakarya , achieving growth inhibition on V8 media (92.72 ± 4.20% to 100%) and on artificially infected detached pod cortex (92.24 ± 4.53% to 98.75 ± 1.25%), which was not significantly different from the positive control (Ridomil). Furthermore, this combination maintained its effectiveness for up to 9 days at room temperature. These findings suggest that combining plant extracts can enhance their antifungal properties.
KeywordsPlant ExtractsAntifungal AgentsSynergistic EffectBlack Pod DiseaseCocoa
MINADER (2023) Données sur la production de fèves de cacao au Cameroun (Data on Cocoa Bean Production in Cameroon). Ministère de l’Agriculture et du Développement Rural.
Despréaux, D., Cambrory, D., Clément, D., Nyassé, S. and Partot, M. (1988) Etude de la pourriture brune des cabosses de cacaoyer au Cameroun: définition de nouvelles méthodes de lutte. 10 th International Cocoa Research Conference , Santo Domingo, 17-23 May 1987, 407-412.
Berry, D. and Cilas, C. (1994) Etude du comportement d’une parcelle diallèle 6 × 6 vis à vis de la pourriture brune des cabosses de cacaoyer due à Phytophthora spp. au Cameroun. 11 th International Cocoa Research Conference , Yamoussoukro, 18-24 July 1993, 91-96.
Ndoumbe-Nkeng, M., Cilas, C., Nyemb, E., Nyassé, S., Bieysse, D., Flori, A. and Sache, I. (2004) Impact of Removing Diseased Pod on Cocoa Black Pod Caused by Phytophthora megakarya and Cacao Production in Cameroon. Crop Protection , 23, 415-424. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2003.09.010
Guest, D. (2007) Black Pod Disease of Cocoa. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B : Biological Sciences , 362, 883-894.
Mbarga, J.B., Begoude, B.A.D., Ambang, Z., Meboma, M., Kuaté, J., Ewbank, W. and Ten Hoopen, G.M. (2020) Field Testing an Oil-Based Trichoderma asperellum Formulation for the Biological Control of Cacao Black Pod Disease, Caused by Phytophthora megakarya . Crop Protection , 132, Article 105134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2020.105134
Montes Vergara, D.E., Barboza-García, A. and Pérez-Cordero, A. (2022) Antifungal and Growth Activity of Strains of Trichoderma spp. against the Avocado “tristeza” Disease, Phytophthora cinnamomi . Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control , 32, Article No. 115.
Asawalam, E.F. (2006) Comparative Efficacy of Pepper Piper guineense (Schum and Thonn) Powder and Pirimiphos methyl Dust against Sitophilus zeamais Motsch (Coleoptera Curculionidae) in Stored Maize. Nigerian Journal of Entomology , 23, 30-33. https://doi.org/10.36108/NJE/6002/32.0170
Nyasse, S., N’Goran, K.A. and Cilas, C. (1999) Distribution of Phytophthora Species on Cocoa Trees in Côte d’Ivoire. Plant Disease , 83, 1184-1188.
Efombagn, M.I.B., Nyasse, S., Sounigo, O., Kolesnikova-Allen, M. and Eskes, A.B. (2007) Participatory Cocoa ( Theobroma cacao ) Selection in Cameroon Phytophthora Pod Rot Resistant Accessions Identified in Farmers’ Fields. Crop Protection , 26, 1467-1473. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2006.12.008
Edson, M.Y.J., Ntsefong, G.N. and Zachée, A. (2013) Development of Integrated Pest Management System in Agricultural Production in Cameroon and the Central African Sub Region. World Journal of Agricultural Research , 1, 133-142.
Widmer, T.L. and Laurent, N. (2006) Plant Extracts Containing Caffeic Acid and Rosmarinic Acid Inhibit Zoospore Germination of Phytophthora spp Pathogenic to Theobroma cacao . European Journal of Plant Pathology , 115, 377-388. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-006-9024-5
Widmer, H.L. and Laurent, C. (2006) Antifungal Activity of Essential Oils of Rosemary and Lavender against Phytophthora infestans and P . parasitica . Phytomed i cine , 13, 520-524.
Ambang, Z., Bekolo, N., Petga, E., Dooh, J.P.N. and Asanga, A. (2007) Effect of Crude Extracts of Thevetia peruviana Seeds on Development of Leaf Spot Disease of Groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) Caused by Cercospora sp. African Crop Science Conference Proceedings , 8, 797-800.
Ambang, Z., Dooh, J.P.N., Ntsefong, G.N., Ajebe, M.D., Nsangou, A.N.K., Heu, A. and Mboussi, S.B. (2021) In Vitro Evaluation of the Fungicidal Potential of Aqueous and Methanolic Extracts of Thevetia peruviana on the Development of Rigidoporus lignosus , Causal Agent of White Root Rot of Hevea brasiliensis . Biotechnology Journal International , 25, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.9734/bji/2021/v25i130127
Ngoh Dooh, J.B., Mbouobda, S.D., Akoa, K.D., Mouen, E.J., Tchiegang, C. and Akoa, B. (2015) Efficacy of Aqueous Extract of Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) K. Schum. (Apocynaceae) Leaf Litter on Phytophthora megakarya Causing Black Pod Disease of Cocoa ( Theobroma cacao L.) in Cameroon. Journal of Agricultural Sc i ence , 7, 242-252.
Mohsan, M.K., Abbas, R.R., Ahmad, H. and Shahid, N. (2017) In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Three Plant Extracts against Phytophthora capsici , the Causal Agent of Chili Fruit Rot. Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Research , 28, 391-396.
Lu, Y., Shipton, F.N., Khoo, T.J. and Wiart, C. (2014) Antioxidant Activity Determination of Citronellal and Crude Extracts of Cymbopogon citratus by 3 Different Methods. Pharmacology & Pharmacy , 5, 395-400. https://doi.org/10.4236/pp.2014.54047
Singh, G., Mandal, S., Sinha, S. and Kaur, P. (2017) Cymbopogon citratus : Chemical Composition and in Vitro Antimicrobial Activities of Essential Oil. Journal of E s sential Oil Research , 29, 420-425.
De la Cruz, L.C., Rufino, R.S. and Dacumos, M.S. (2005) In Vitro Cytotoxic and Anti-Helicobacter Pylori Activities of Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. Journal of Ethnopharmacology , 101, 321-326.
Khan, A., Khan, I., Khan, S., Sahreen, S. and Gilani, A.H. (2003) Hepatoprotective Effects of Blumea balsamifera against Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Damage in Rats. Phytotherapy Research , 17, 651-654.
Nuntawong, N., Wongsuntorn, V. and Kraikenthong, J. (2008) Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Blumea balsamifera Leaf Extract. International Journal of Food Science & Technology , 43, 881-887.
Nuntawong, N. and Panichayupakul, W. (2010). In Vitro Antiplasmodial Activity of Blumea balsamifera Leaf Extract against Plasmodium falciparum . Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health , 41, 204-209.
Bang, J.H., Kang, B.S., Jung, J.W., Baek, S.H., Shin, K.H., Won, M.H. and Hyun, D.Y. (2009) Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Arthritic Effects of Hot Water Extract of Blumea balsamifera in Collagen-Induced Arthritis Mice. Journal of Ethnopharm a cology , 123, 400-406.
Martine, L.O., Pierre, O.E., Jude, N.M., Jules, C.K.D. and Pierre, F.D. (2017) Breeding of Parental and Tolerant Hybrids of Theobroma cacao L. to Phytophthora megakarya Bras. and Griff. International Journal of Plant Physiology and Bioche m istry , 9, 9-21. https://doi.org/10.5897/ijppb2017.0262
Medjap Abel Second, Z., Aoudou, Y. and Mbonomo Rene, B. (2021) Aggressiveness of the Fungi Responsible for Pod Rot in Cropping Systems Based on Cocoa Trees ( Theobroma cacao L.) in Cameroon. American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry , 9, 156-163. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajaf.20210903.19
Mboussi, S.B., Ambang, Z., Ndogho, A., Dooh, N.J.P. and Essouma, F.M. (2016) In Vitro Antifungal Potential of Aqueous Seeds Extracts of Azadirachta indica and Theve tia peruviana against Phytophthora megakarya in Cameroon. Journal o f Applied Life Sciences International , 4, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.9734/JALSI/2016/23710
Dida, S.L.L., Tueguem Kuate, W.N., et al . (2024). First Report of Different Mating Types of Phytophthora infestans Isolates from Potatoes in Cameroon and Their Control Using Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) K. Schum. Seeds Extracts Analyzed by GC-MS. Indian Phytopathology , 77, 363-365. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42360-024-00720-6
Najdabbasi, N., Mirmajlessi, S.M., Dewitte, K., Landschoot, S., Mänd, M., Audenaert, K., Ameye, M. and Haesaert, G. (2020) Biocidal Activity of Plant-Derived Compounds against Phytophthora infestans : An Alternative Approach to Late Blight Management. Crop Protection , 138, Article 105315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2020.105315
lker J.H., Elonen C.M., Pilli, A., Anderson, A., Kinziger, B. and Erickson S. (2022) The Ecotoxicology Knowledgebase: A Curated Database of Ecologically Relevant Toxicity Tests to Support Environmental Research and Risk Assessment. Enviro n mental Toxicology and Chemistry , 41, 1520-1539. https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.5324
Rauf, A., Bawazeer, S., Naseer, M., Alhumaydhi, F.A., Aljohani, A.S., Habib, A. and Shariati, M.A. (2021) In Vitro α-glycosidase and Urease Enzyme Inhibition Profile of Some Selected Medicinal Plants of Pakistan. Natural Product Research , 35, 5434-5439. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2020.1779264
Ambang, A.L., Elie, K.K. and Nyamjua, M.R. (2023) Inventory and Management of Fungi Associated with Banana Plant Through the Use of Allium ampeloprasum and Cymbopogon citratus Extracts. Journal of Agricultural Chemistry and Enviro n ment , 12, 51-64. https://doi.org/10.4236/jacen.2023.122005
Ragasa, C.Y., Co, A.L. and Rideout, J.A. (2005) Antifungal Metabolites from Blumea balsamifera . Natural Product Research , 19, 231-237. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786410410001709773
Sawadogo, I., Paré, A., Kaboré, D., Montet, D., et al . (2022). Antifungal and Antiaflatoxinogenic Effects of Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon nardus , and Cymb o pogon schoenanthus Essential Oils Alone and in Combination. Journal of Fungi , 8, Article 117. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8020117
Sonker, N., Pandey, A.K., Singh, P. and Tripathi, N. (2014) Assessment of Cymb o pogon citratus (DC.) Stapf Essential Oil as Herbal Preservatives Based on Antifungal, Antiaflatoxin, and Antiochratoxin Activities and in Vivo Efficacy during Storage. Journal of Food Science , 79, M628-M634. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.12390
Djeugap, J.F., Ntongo, V.M., Kouam, E.B., Nsouga, F.R.A. and Ntsomboh-Ntsefong, G. (2018) Pod Resistance of Cocoa Clones to Black Pod Disease and Antifungal Properties of Phytoextracts against Phytophthora megakarya . International Journal of Biosciences , 13, 94-104. https://doi.org/10.12692/ijb/13.3.94-104
Adeyemi, A.I., Vincent, O.I. and Olujenyo, O.M. (2018) Phytochemical Screening and Antifungal Activity of Chromolaena odorata Extracts against Isolate of Ph y tophthora megakarya Using Agar-Well Diffusion Method. Asian Journal of Med i cinal and Biological Research , 4, 7-13. https://doi.org/10.3329/ajmbr.v4i1.36815
Bhatt, V., Sharma, S., Kumar, N., Sharma, U. and Singh, B. (2017) Chemical Composition of Essential Oil among Seven Populations of Zanthoxylum armatum from Himachal Pradesh: Chemotypic and Seasonal Variation. Natural Product Comm u nications , 12, 1643-1646. https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578X1701201030
Mbunde, M.V.N., Mabiki, F., Innocent, E. and Andersson, P.G. (2019) Antifungal Activity of Single and Combined Extracts of Medicinal Plants from Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Jo urnal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry , 8, 181-187.
Hussain, S., Javed, W., Tajammal, A., Khalid, M., Rasool, N., Riaz, M., Shahid, M., Ahmad, I., Muhammad, R. and Shah, S.A.A. (2023) Synergistic Antibacterial Screening of Cymbopogon citratus and Azadirachta indica : Phytochemical Profiling and Antioxidant and Hemolytic Activities. ACS Omega , 8, 16600-16611. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.2c06785
Laher, F., Aremu, A.O., Van Staden, J. and Finnie, J.F. (2013) Evaluating the Effect of Storage on the Biological Activity and Chemical Composition of Three South African Medicinal plants. South African Journal of Botany , 88, 414-418. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2013.09.003
Biswas, K., Chattopadhyay, I., Banerjee, R. and Bandyopadhyay, U. (2002) Biological Activities and Medicinal Properties of Neem (Azadirachta indica). Current Science , 82, 1336-1345.
Teshome, E., Forsido, S.F., Rupasinghe, H.P.V. and Olika Keyata, E. (2022) Potentials of Natural Preservatives to Enhance Food Safety and Shelf Life: A Review. Scientific World Journal , 2022, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/9901018