Proposed Use of Limocide 60 ME (An Extract of Sweet Orange Essential Oil) to Control Pathogens of Crown Rot in Dessert Bananas

Background: In Côte d'Ivoire, dessert banana production has been estimated at around 450,000 tonnes in 2019, representing 7% of agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 3% of national GDP. However, it has been repeatedly observed that the application of synthetic fungicides for pest control would have numerous harmful consequences for man and his environment. Objective: The main aim of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy of Limocide “a biological fungicide” against crown rot of dessert banana. Methodology: The biological product used for the treatments was Limocide 60 ME, an extract of essential oil from sweet orange. Pure colonies aged 6 to 14 days were identified using the Botton et al. determination key (1990). Limocide 60 ME was only tested at 500 ppm because of its effectiveness. As for PRBB, it was incorporated to obtain concentrations of 250, 500, 750, 1500 and 2500 ppm and 100, 150, 250, 400. These products were compared with citric acid. The effect of the different products was determined from the calculated rate of mycelial growth inhibition. The data collected were analyzed using Statistica version 7.1 software. Results: Three fungal strains were identified: Fusarium oxysporium, Fusarium solani and colletotrichum musae. These were identified as responsible for crown rot disease. Control tests carried out in the laboratory also demonstrated that Limocide 60 ME at 500 ppm and PRBB at 400 ppm have very significant antifungal activity for disease control.