Assessing the Efficacy of Lemongrass (Cymbopogoncitratus) and Sambong (Blumeabalsamifera) Extracts in Combating Black Pod Disease: Sustainable Solutions for Controlling Phytophthoramegakarya in Cameroon’s Cocoa Plantations
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 Cymbopogoncitratus and Blumeabalsamifora leaf extracts, both individually and in combination, against Phytophthoramegakarya. 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 invivo 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.
References
[1]
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.
[2]
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. 10thInternationalCocoaResearchConference, Santo Domingo, 17-23 May 1987, 407-412.
[3]
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. 11thInternationalCocoaResearchConference, Yamoussoukro, 18-24 July 1993, 91-96.
[4]
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 Phytophthoramegakarya and Cacao Production in Cameroon. CropProtection, 23, 415-424. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2003.09.010
[5]
Guest, D. (2007) Black Pod Disease of Cocoa. PhilosophicalTransactionsoftheRoyalSocietyB: BiologicalSciences, 362, 883-894.
[6]
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 Trichodermaasperellum Formulation for the Biological Control of Cacao Black Pod Disease, Caused by Phytophthoramegakarya. CropProtection, 132, Article 105134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2020.105134
[7]
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, Phytophthoracinnamomi. EgyptianJournalofBiologicalPestControl, 32, Article No. 115.
[8]
Asawalam, E.F. (2006) Comparative Efficacy of Pepper Piperguineense (Schum and Thonn) Powder and Pirimiphos methyl Dust against Sitophiluszeamais Motsch (Coleoptera Curculionidae) in Stored Maize. NigerianJournalofEntomology, 23, 30-33. https://doi.org/10.36108/NJE/6002/32.0170
[9]
Nyasse, S., N’Goran, K.A. and Cilas, C. (1999) Distribution of Phytophthora Species on Cocoa Trees in Côte d’Ivoire. PlantDisease, 83, 1184-1188.
[10]
Efombagn, M.I.B., Nyasse, S., Sounigo, O., Kolesnikova-Allen, M. and Eskes, A.B. (2007) Participatory Cocoa (Theobromacacao) Selection in Cameroon Phytophthora Pod Rot Resistant Accessions Identified in Farmers’ Fields. CropProtection, 26, 1467-1473. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2006.12.008
[11]
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. WorldJournalofAgriculturalResearch, 1, 133-142.
[12]
Widmer, T.L. and Laurent, N. (2006) Plant Extracts Containing Caffeic Acid and Rosmarinic Acid Inhibit Zoospore Germination of Phytophthora spp Pathogenic to Theobromacacao. EuropeanJournalofPlantPathology, 115, 377-388. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-006-9024-5
[13]
Widmer, H.L. and Laurent, C. (2006) Antifungal Activity of Essential Oils of Rosemary and Lavender against Phytophthorainfestans and P. parasitica. Phytomedicine, 13, 520-524.
[14]
Ambang, Z., Bekolo, N., Petga, E., Dooh, J.P.N. and Asanga, A. (2007) Effect of Crude Extracts of Thevetiaperuviana Seeds on Development of Leaf Spot Disease of Groundnut (Arachishypogaea L.) Caused by Cercospora sp. AfricanCropScienceConferenceProceedings, 8, 797-800.
[15]
Ambang, Z., Dooh, J.P.N., Ntsefong, G.N., Ajebe, M.D., Nsangou, A.N.K., Heu, A. and Mboussi, S.B. (2021) InVitro Evaluation of the Fungicidal Potential of Aqueous and Methanolic Extracts of Thevetiaperuviana on the Development of Rigidoporuslignosus, Causal Agent of White Root Rot of Heveabrasiliensis. BiotechnologyJournalInternational, 25, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.9734/bji/2021/v25i130127
[16]
Ngoh Dooh, J.B., Mbouobda, S.D., Akoa, K.D., Mouen, E.J., Tchiegang, C. and Akoa, B. (2015) Efficacy of Aqueous Extract of Thevetiaperuviana (Pers.) K. Schum. (Apocynaceae) Leaf Litter on Phytophthoramegakarya Causing Black Pod Disease of Cocoa (Theobromacacao L.) in Cameroon. JournalofAgriculturalScience, 7, 242-252.
[17]
Mohsan, M.K., Abbas, R.R., Ahmad, H. and Shahid, N. (2017) InVitro Antifungal Activity of Three Plant Extracts against Phytophthoracapsici, the Causal Agent of Chili Fruit Rot. PakistanJournalofAgriculturalResearch, 28, 391-396.
[18]
Lu, Y., Shipton, F.N., Khoo, T.J. and Wiart, C. (2014) Antioxidant Activity Determination of Citronellal and Crude Extracts of Cymbopogoncitratus by 3 Different Methods. Pharmacology&Pharmacy, 5, 395-400. https://doi.org/10.4236/pp.2014.54047
[19]
Singh, G., Mandal, S., Sinha, S. and Kaur, P. (2017) Cymbopogoncitratus: Chemical Composition and inVitro Antimicrobial Activities of Essential Oil. JournalofEssentialOilResearch, 29, 420-425.
[20]
De la Cruz, L.C., Rufino, R.S. and Dacumos, M.S. (2005) InVitro Cytotoxic and Anti-Helicobacter Pylori Activities of Blumeabalsamifera (L.) DC. JournalofEthnopharmacology, 101, 321-326.
[21]
Khan, A., Khan, I., Khan, S., Sahreen, S. and Gilani, A.H. (2003) Hepatoprotective Effects of Blumeabalsamifera against Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Damage in Rats. PhytotherapyResearch, 17, 651-654.
[22]
Nuntawong, N., Wongsuntorn, V. and Kraikenthong, J. (2008) Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Blumeabalsamifera Leaf Extract. InternationalJournalofFoodScience&Technology, 43, 881-887.
[23]
Nuntawong, N. and Panichayupakul, W. (2010). InVitro Antiplasmodial Activity of Blumeabalsamifera Leaf Extract against Plasmodiumfalciparum. SoutheastAsianJournalofTropicalMedicineandPublicHealth, 41, 204-209.
[24]
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 Blumeabalsamifera in Collagen-Induced Arthritis Mice. JournalofEthnopharmacology, 123, 400-406.
[25]
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 Theobromacacao L. to Phytophthoramegakarya Bras. and Griff. InternationalJournalofPlantPhysiologyandBiochemistry, 9, 9-21. https://doi.org/10.5897/ijppb2017.0262
[26]
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 (TheobromacacaoL.) in Cameroon. AmericanJournalofAgricultureandForestry, 9, 156-163. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajaf.20210903.19
[27]
Mboussi, S.B., Ambang, Z., Ndogho, A., Dooh, N.J.P. and Essouma, F.M. (2016) InVitro Antifungal Potential of Aqueous Seeds Extracts of Azadirachtaindica and Thevetiaperuviana against Phytophthoramegakarya in Cameroon. JournalofAppliedLifeSciencesInternational, 4, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.9734/JALSI/2016/23710
[28]
Dida, S.L.L., Tueguem Kuate, W.N., etal. (2024). First Report of Different Mating Types of Phytophthorainfestans Isolates from Potatoes in Cameroon and Their Control Using Thevetiaperuviana (Pers.) K. Schum. Seeds Extracts Analyzed by GC-MS. IndianPhytopathology, 77, 363-365. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42360-024-00720-6
[29]
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 Phytophthorainfestans: An Alternative Approach to Late Blight Management. CropProtection, 138, Article 105315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2020.105315
[30]
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. EnvironmentalToxicologyandChemistry, 41, 1520-1539. https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.5324
[31]
Rauf, A., Bawazeer, S., Naseer, M., Alhumaydhi, F.A., Aljohani, A.S., Habib, A. and Shariati, M.A. (2021) InVitro α-glycosidase and Urease Enzyme Inhibition Profile of Some Selected Medicinal Plants of Pakistan. NaturalProductResearch, 35, 5434-5439. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2020.1779264
[32]
Ambang, A.L., Elie, K.K. and Nyamjua, M.R. (2023) Inventory and Management of Fungi Associated with Banana Plant Through the Use of Alliumampeloprasum and Cymbopogoncitratus Extracts. JournalofAgriculturalChemistryandEnvironment, 12, 51-64. https://doi.org/10.4236/jacen.2023.122005
[33]
Ragasa, C.Y., Co, A.L. and Rideout, J.A. (2005) Antifungal Metabolites from Blumeabalsamifera. NaturalProductResearch, 19, 231-237. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786410410001709773
[34]
Sawadogo, I., Paré, A., Kaboré, D., Montet, D., etal. (2022). Antifungal and Antiaflatoxinogenic Effects of Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogonnardus, and Cymbopogonschoenanthus Essential Oils Alone and in Combination. JournalofFungi, 8, Article 117. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8020117
[35]
Sonker, N., Pandey, A.K., Singh, P. and Tripathi, N. (2014) Assessment of Cymbopogoncitratus (DC.) Stapf Essential Oil as Herbal Preservatives Based on Antifungal, Antiaflatoxin, and Antiochratoxin Activities and inVivo Efficacy during Storage. JournalofFoodScience, 79, M628-M634. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.12390
[36]
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 Phytophthoramegakarya. InternationalJournalofBiosciences, 13, 94-104. https://doi.org/10.12692/ijb/13.3.94-104
[37]
Adeyemi, A.I., Vincent, O.I. and Olujenyo, O.M. (2018) Phytochemical Screening and Antifungal Activity of Chromolaenaodorata Extracts against Isolate of Phytophthoramegakarya Using Agar-Well Diffusion Method. AsianJournalofMedicinalandBiologicalResearch, 4, 7-13. https://doi.org/10.3329/ajmbr.v4i1.36815
[38]
Bhatt, V., Sharma, S., Kumar, N., Sharma, U. and Singh, B. (2017) Chemical Composition of Essential Oil among Seven Populations of Zanthoxylumarmatum from Himachal Pradesh: Chemotypic and Seasonal Variation. NaturalProductCommunications, 12, 1643-1646. https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578X1701201030
[39]
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. JournalofPharmacognosyandPhytochemistry, 8, 181-187.
[40]
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 Cymbopogoncitratus and Azadirachtaindica: Phytochemical Profiling and Antioxidant and Hemolytic Activities. ACSOmega, 8, 16600-16611. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.2c06785
[41]
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. SouthAfricanJournalofBotany, 88, 414-418. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2013.09.003
[42]
Biswas, K., Chattopadhyay, I., Banerjee, R. and Bandyopadhyay, U. (2002) Biological Activities and Medicinal Properties of Neem (Azadirachta indica). CurrentScience, 82, 1336-1345.
[43]
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. ScientificWorldJournal, 2022, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/9901018
