Antifungal Activity of Erigeron floribundus (Asteraceae) and Ripe Banana Peel-NaHCO3 Extracts on Tomato in South-Kivu/DRC-Albertan Rift in the Great Lakes Region, Central-Africa
Rubabura K. JA. *
Agricultural Entomology laboratory, Entomology Section, Research Centre in Natural Sciences (CRSN-Lwiro), P.O. Box. DS/Bukavu, DR. Congo, Doctoral School in Agroecology and Climate Sciences (UEA-UCB-UCG-UOB Consortium), Evangelical University in Africa (UEA), P.O. Box. 3323 Bukavu, DR. Congo, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (FAE), Evangelical University in Africa (UEA), PO.Box. 3323/ Bukavu, DR Congo and Department of Biology, State University of Bukavu (UOB-Bukavu), P.O. Box. 570 / Bukavu, DR. Congo.
Bahati M.C.
Higher Institute of Technology, Commerce and Economics (ISTCE- Bukavu), P.O. Box. 235/ Bukavu, DR. Congo.
Bashombana N.V
Department of Plant Production, Higher Institute of Agronomic and Veterinary Studies (ISEAV- Mushweshwe), P.O. Box. 19 Bukavu, DR. Congo.
Chihire B.P.
Agricultural Entomology laboratory, Entomology Section, Research Centre in Natural Sciences (CRSN-Lwiro), P.O. Box. DS/Bukavu, DR. Congo.
Ndatabaye L.F.
Agricultural Entomology laboratory, Entomology Section, Research Centre in Natural Sciences (CRSN-Lwiro), P.O. Box. DS/Bukavu, DR. Congo.
Kasole H.G.
Department of Plant Production, Higher Institute of Agronomic and Veterinary Studies (ISEAV- Mushweshwe), P.O. Box. 19 Bukavu, DR. Congo.
Mugisho B.D.
Faculty of Agronomy, Kaziba University (UNIKAZ), Kaziba, P.O. Box: 2106 Bukavu, DR Congo and Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (FAE), Evangelical University in Africa (UEA), PO.Box. 3323/ Bukavu, DR Congo.
Nsambu M.P.
Department of Plant Production, Higher Institute of Agronomic and Veterinary Studies (ISEAV- Mushweshwe), P.O. Box. 19 Bukavu, DR. Congo and Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (FAE), Evangelical University in Africa (UEA), PO.Box. 3323/ Bukavu, DR Congo.
Balezi Z.A.
Doctoral School in Agroecology and Climate Sciences (UEA-UCB-UCG-UOB Consortium), Evangelical University in Africa (UEA), P.O. Box. 3323 Bukavu, DR. Congo and Department of Biology, State University of Bukavu (UOB-Bukavu), P.O. Box. 570 / Bukavu, DR. Congo.
Bisimwa B.E.
Doctoral School in Agroecology and Climate Sciences (UEA-UCB-UCG-UOB Consortium), Evangelical University in Africa (UEA), P.O. Box. 3323 Bukavu, DR. Congo, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (FAE), Evangelical University in Africa (UEA), PO.Box. 3323/ Bukavu, DR Congo and Faculty of Agriculture Sciences (FSA), Catholic University of Bukavu(UCB), P.O. Box. 285/ Bukavu, DR. Congo.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Tomato production faces significant challenges from fungal and bacterial diseases, often requiring chemical treatments. This study explores the potential of biopesticides derived from Erigeron floribundus and ripe banana peel-NaHCO3 as sustainable alternatives to conventional fungicides. A completely randomized design was employed to test the efficacy of the biopesticides. Local methods were used to prepare the extracts. Tomato plants were treated with ripe banana peel-NaHCO3, Erigeron floribundus, and a control (Dithane M45). Plant vigor, branch number, and disease incidence were monitored and recorded. Tomato plants treated with ripe banana peel-NaHCO3 showed increased vigor and similar branch numbers compared to those treated with Erigeron floribundus and the control. There was no significant difference in disease incidence between the biopesticides and Dithane M45. Both biopesticides were effective in disease protection and promoting yield, demonstrating their potential as sustainable alternatives to chemical treatments. The study concludes that ripe banana peel-NaHCO3 and Erigeron floribundus extracts are effective in protecting tomato plants from fungal and bacterial diseases while promoting growth and yield. Their non-toxic and environmentally friendly nature makes them suitable for sustainable tomato production.
Keywords: Antifungal, ripe banana peel, Erigeron, market gardering