Interactive effects of some botanicals and Fusarium spp. on the growth of millet seedlings

Millets are economically important cereal crop with high protein contents that benefits man and animals. However, the cultivation of this cereal in Southwestern Nigeria is greatly affected by some soil borne pathogens, of which Fusarium species has been reported. Hence, this study investigated the interactive effects of some pathogenic Fusarium species (F. anthophilum, F. scirpi, F. verticillioides and F. oxysporum) and aqueous botanicals on the growth of millet seedlings. In vitro and in vivo studies of Mangifera indica and Jatropha caucas (0.15, 0.30 and 0.45 mg/ml concentrations), Moringa oleifera, Manihot esculenta and Senna alata (0.05, 0.10 and 0.15 g/ml concentrations) were conducted. The Extracts and Concentration levels, Fusarium species, as well as time of observation, recorded significant (p<0.05) effects with respect to the millet seedlings growth. However, high significant (p<0.01) interactions were obtained from Extracts x Fusarium species, Extracts x Concentration levels, Concentration levels x Time of observation and Extracts x Concentration levels x Time of observation. The order of efficacy of the extracts showed that; J. curcas > M. indica and M. oleifera > M. esculenta > S. alata increases with concentration levels and time of observation, thus, significantly (p<0.05) antagonized the pathogenic effect of the Fusarium species. This study therefore, provides valuable information on the interactive treatments that best enhances the optimum performance of the botanicals against the pathogenic Fusarium species of millet seedlings

Biochar: A Vital Source for Sustainable Agriculture

The emerging concerns in sub-Saharan Africa are non-sustainability of agricultural and soil management practices threatening food security and environmental safety. Biochar, solid material obtained from thermochemical conversion of plants and/or animal biomass in an oxygen limited environment, is of great importance both agriculturally and environmentally. This chapter reviews the contributions of “biochar technology” to environmental sustainability and food security. This strategy addresses the declining food security issues, depleting soil and plant health challenges. When properly exploited, biochar will enhance soil fertility recovery, guarantee resilience to climate change challenges, and satisfy food production needs of growing global population. The positive impacts of biochar utilization on soil beneficial organisms in harnessing and controlling pests and diseases as well as revitalization of ecological niche make it a preferred option. Unfortunately, there is dearth of information on biochar mechanism to enhance bioremediation technology, which is still facing some challenges that need attention for adequate soil remediation. Many researchers have demonstrated bioremediation in laboratory scale under controlled environmental conditions; it may however be very problematic to establish the growth/survival of these biological entities in situ on heavily polluted soil where the environmental conditions cannot be controlled

Role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as biocontrol agents against Fusarium verticillioides causing ear rot of Zea mays L. (Maize)

The protection of plants from pathogens results to better performances in growth and yield characters. Therefore, the efficacy of Glomus clarum and G. deserticola as biocontrol agents against Fusarium verticillioides (AKR 05, ILR 06 and ERW 05) strains on maize T2L COMP.4 was investigated. Concentration 10 g (20 spores), 20 g (48 spores) and 30 g (72 spores) of Glomus clarum and G. deserticola were inoculated separately into 8 kg of soil at four weeks after planting (WAP), with a control (0 g). In addition, spore suspension (1.0 × 106 spores/mL) of Fusarium verticillioides was inoculated at 8 WAP. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with three replicates. The pathogenic effects of F. verticillioides on plant height and shoot weight were significantly reduced by the application of 20 g of G. clarum and 30 g of G. deserticola. Also, 10 g of both G. clarum and G. deserticola significantly enhanced the production of the husk cover, while 30 g G. clarum and G. deserticola significantly reduced the severity of maize ear rot. Therefore, 30 g G. clarum and G. deserticola had biocontrol potential against Fusarium verticillioides. Hence, they are recommended to maize producers in Fusarium endemic agro-ecological zones for optimal production. Keywords: Biocontrol, Concentration, Disease severity, Glomus clarum, Spore suspensio