Research Article

Evaluation of aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica, Cassia occidentalis and Calotropis procera on germination, growth parameters and fungal infections of cashew seedlings (Anacardium occidentale L.)

Abstract

Anacardium occidentale L. is a plant of great economic importance, but its cultivation is confronted with problems of infection, growth and development due to the poor quality of the seeds, which are affected by fungal diseases that lead to crop losses. The objective of this study is to improve cashew nut production by treating the seeds with plant extracts before sowing. To achieve this objective, cashew seeds accessions in Cameroon and Chad were soaked in extracts of Azadirachta indica, Calotropis procera and Cassia occidentalis for 12 hours for treatment. These seeds were sown in pots containing black soil and sand as substrate to collect data on germination percentage, infection percentage and growth parameters (colar diameter, height, number of leaves, seedling vigour and plant vigour). The results showed that the seeds of the of the Koumra and Garoua accessions treated with A. indica extract at all concentrations showed 100 % germination and 0 % infection. Similarly, all seedlings from the seeds treated with the different plant extracts showed significantly higher crown diameters, heights, number of leaves and seedling vigour than seedlings from non-treated seeds. These results suggest the use of these plant extracts to reduce cashew seed infections and to enhance seed germination and seedling vigour.

Keywords

Anacardium occidentale, seed-borne fungi, plant extracts, germination, growth parameters

Abstract

Anacardium occidental L. is a plant of great economic importance, but its cultivation is confronted with problems of infection, growth and development due to the poor quality of the seeds, which are affected by fungal diseases that lead to crop losses. The objective of this study is to improve cashew nut production by treating the seeds with plant extracts before sowing. To achieve this objective, cashew seeds accessions in Cameroon and Chad were soaked in extracts of Azadirachta indica , Calotropis procera and Cassia occidentalis for 12 hours for treatment.These seeds were sown in pots containing black soil and sand as substrate to collect data on germination percentage, infection percentage and growth parameters (colar diameter, height, number of leaves, seedling vigor and plant vigor). The results showed that the seeds of the of the Koumra and Garoua accessions treated with A. indica extract at all concentrations showed 100 % germination and 0 % infection. Similarly, all seedlings from the seeds treated with the different plant extracts showed significantly higher crown diameters, heights, number of leaves and seedling vigor than seedlings from non-treated seeds. These results suggest the use of these plant extracts to reduce cashew seed infections and to enhance seed germination and seedling vigor.

Keywords

Anacardium occidentalis , seed-borne fungi, plant extracts, germination, growth parameters

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