Efficacy of Paw paw (Carica Papaya) Leaf Extracts on Growth of Fusarium Wilt of coffee.

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.