Biocontrol Potential of Endophytic Fungi against Orobanche Infestations in Fruit Crops: A Case Study in Delta State, Nigeria

This study investigated the potential of endophytic fungi as biocontrol agents against Orobanche infestations in fruit crops such as chickpea, soybean, lentil, and pea plants from different sites in Ika agricultural habitats in Delta State, Nigeria, using appropriate standard methods. Fusarium sp. s...

Full description

Saved in:

Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol. 28; no. 9
Main Authors:	A. O. Ukpene, E. O. Oduma
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Joint Coordination Centre of the World Bank assisted National Agricultural Research Programme (NARP) 01-09-2024
Subjects:	biocontrol; endophytic fungi; Orobanche; parasitic plants; integrated pest management
Online Access:	Get full text
Tags:	Add Tag No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!

Description
Summary:	This study investigated the potential of endophytic fungi as biocontrol agents against Orobanche infestations in fruit crops such as chickpea, soybean, lentil, and pea plants from different sites in Ika agricultural habitats in Delta State, Nigeria, using appropriate standard methods. Fusarium sp. showed significant inhibition of Orobanche crenata (75%) by mycotoxin production and Penicillium sp. (65%) by biocombustion. Field trials showed a significant reduction in Orobanche-infested areas, with Fusarium sp. (40% to 10%) and Penicillium sp. (30% to 10%) treatments showing significant yield improvement (20% and 22%, respectively). The study concluded that selected fungi, especially Fusarium sp. and Penicillium sp., are effective control agents for Orobanche in legume crops. This information contributes to sustainable agriculture by providing environmentally friendly alternatives to pesticides, crop yields, and economic losses from plants, and it reduces the incidence of pests.
ISSN:	2659-1502 2659-1499
DOI:	10.4314/jasem.v28i9.28