Evaluation of some plant leaf extracts against Colletotrichum lindemuthianum in cowpea

Alcohol and water extracts of Piper betle, Ocimum sanctum and Citrus limon were effective against Colletotrichum lindemuthianum in culture and in checking the incidence and spread of the disease caused by the pathogen in the field. However, alcohol extracts were more effective in controlling the growth of the pathogen in vitro and in vivo. Extracts of P. betle was the best in reducing the growth of the pathogen in culture and in checking the spread of anthracnose disease of cowpea in the field. This was followed by O. sanctum whereas C. limon failed to check the spread of the disease effectively in the field. P. betle and O. sanctum could be used as a source of a pesticide of plant origin to control the pathogen of cowpea in the field. © 1999, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.