Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Benson Idahosa University, P.M.B. 1100, Benin City, Nigeria; Department of Microbiology, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin City, Nigeria
Igeleke, C.L., Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Benson Idahosa University, P.M.B. 1100, Benin City, Nigeria, Department of Microbiology, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin City, Nigeria; Ayanru, D.K.G., Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Benson Idahosa University, P.M.B. 1100, Benin City, Nigeria, Department of Microbiology, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin City, Nigeria
An evaluation of three fungicides, namely, benomyl [methyl 1-(butyl-carbamoyl)-2-benzimidazole carbamate], calixin (tridomorph) and dithane M45 (mancozeb), was carried out for their inhibitory effects on Verticillium theobromae, the causal organism of cigar-end rot disease of plantain (Musa paradisiaca). The LD50 of calixin, benomyl and dithane M-45 in inhibiting mycelial growth, were 0.14, 0.98 and 535.17 μg mL-1, respectively. Calixin was also the most effective in conidial germination inhibition with an LD50 of 21.78 μg mL-1, as compared with dithane M-45 86.39 μg mL-1 and benomyl 275.50 μg mL-1. Germ tubes of the test organism were distorted by the fungicides at varying concentrations. Calixin had greater distortion effect at a lower concentration of 10 μg mL-1, dithane M-45 (100 μg mL-1) and benomyl (1000 μg mL-1). The relevance of these results in relation to the control and management of cigar-end rot disease of plantain is discussed. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information.