October 21, 2020
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Tomato cultivation is severely affected by Sclerotium wilt caused by Sclerotium rolfsii. Chemical control is a major strategy for its control. However, hazards associated with the use os chemical have necessitated the search for alternatives particularly in botanicals. Two plant extracts of Ocimum gratissmum and Aframomum melegueta were tested against the growth of S. rolfsii in-vitro at six concentrations (0,1,2,3,4, and 5%). The plants were extracted in either water or enthanol. Results showed total inhibition of mycelium growth by the enthanol extracts of the two plants at the tested concentrations. The acqueous extracts also inhibited mycelium growth recording significantly higher reduction with increase in extract concentration. Generally, ethanol extract performed best at 3% concentration of the two extracts. This study demonstrates the antifungal potentials of o. graatissimum and a. melegueta.