In vitro screening of some tropical ash samples against seedborne pathogens of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Eleven ash samples obtained from nine tropical plants were screened in vitro for their potential to reduce the mycelial growth of the seedborne pathogens Helminthosporium sativum, Curvularia lunata and Fusarium graminearum. All ash samples inhibited the mycelial growth of these pathogens. Delonix regia wood ash induced up to 77.8, 80.7 and 88.8% reduction in the mycelial growth of H. sativum, C. lunata and F. graminearum, respectively. Ricinus communis leaf ash induced reductions above 70.0% in the mycelial growth of C. lunata while Eichornia crassipes ash induced 88.3% reduction in the mycelial growth of F. graminearum. The fungitoxicity of ash samples from inflorescences of Elaeis guineensis was weak. This study shows the prospect of plant ash in the control of seedborne pathogens.