ABSTRACT:
In Brazil there are several fungi that cause diseases on banana plants. These include the "anthracnose", which is responsible for major crop losses and whose causative agent is the fungus Colletotrichum musae. The main way to control this disease is through the application of fungicides based on thiabendazole and thiophanate-methyl. Although this management is effective, it favors the development of pathogen resistance, which causes damage to the environment and producer and also leaves residues in fruits. These factors have encouraged the search for alternative substances to control the fungus and that are not harmful to the environment and particularly to the final consumer. Among the options, there is interest in the use of essential oils and propolis, both known to have antifungal activity. The present work was developed with the objective of determining the potential of propolis and essential oils of palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) and eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora) in the in vitro control of the fungus Colletotrichum musae. The experimental development consisted in adding 5 mm fungal inoculants, obtained from pure colonies, in PDA culture (potato-dextrose-agar) plus the aforementioned substances in different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 µL/L). At the same time as these treatments, we carried out a test with the fungicide to compare the averages. The efficiency of the substances on the fungus was determined through evaluations of the mycelial growth of the colonies (average of two diametrically opposed measures). The values of mycelial growth obtained were also used for the calculation of the speed index of the mycelial growth. The experimental design was completely randomized in 5 x 6 + 1 (5 substances in 6 concentrations + fungicide) factorial design, with 5 repetitions. The tea tree, clove and palmarosa oils were efficient in the control of the fungus Colletotrichum musae, which can be used as a control option in organic crops or in integrated management systems.
Organic production; Essential oils; Fungi; Sustainable development; Propolis
