Abstract:
Fusarium wilt, caused by the pathogen Fusatium lateritium of coffee is one of the most problematic diseases with no registered fungicide for its management. A trial was established to evaluate the efficacy of paw paw leaf extracts on Fusarium growth under laboratory conditions. Six treatments were used, which were C. papaya at 12.5%, 25%, 50% and 100%, the control (distilled water) and the standard Copper Oxychloride 85%WP. The trial was laid out in a completely randomized design replicated three times. There were significant differences in growth inhibition of F. lateritium after 10 days after incubation, (p=0.002). C papaya at concentrations of more than 25% performed equally the same as the standard chemical Copper Oxychloride 85%WP. More growth (0.31cm/day) was recorded in the control. C. papaya concentrations had a growth range of 0 to 0.18 cm/day, with no growth in the standard treatment. There was a strong positive correlation (r = 0.98) between the concentration of C. papaya and the percentage growth inhibition of F. lateritium. The results showed that C papaya possesses essential elements which can be harnessed in the management of Fusarium wilt of coffee.
