Effects of antifungal plant extracts on improving maize seedling emergence and plant growth
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Seed Testing Association
Abstract
Maize seeds are usually contaminated with seed-borne fungi which cause seed deterioration and seedling death.
Seed treatment using chemical fungicides is a common practice, although fungicides can reduce seed longevity
and lead to residues, resistance, and environmental pollution. This study was conducted to determine the effects
of plant extracts (PEs; Azadirachta indica, Coffea Arabica, and Zingiber officinale) on seedling emergence and
seedling vigour of certified (CS) and farmer-saved (FSS) seeds of maize. Seeds treated with water-extracted
PEs had significantly higher seedling emergence with 85.8% and 61.7% for FSS and CS, respectively, while
ethanol-extracted PEs had 6.7% and 7.5% seedling emergence for FSS and CS, respectively. The minimum mean
number of days to the first emergence was less for seeds treated with water-extracted PEs (3.0 and 3.3 for FSS
and CS, respectively) than those treated with ethanol-extracted PEs (6.3 and 7.0 for FSS and CS, respectively).
According to this study, water-extracted PEs are potential candidates in seed treatment, because they have fewer
adverse effects on seedling emergence and vigour. Although other studies mention PEs extracted using organic
solvents to be the best, the study’s recommendation is to ensure that organic solvents are completely removed
from PE solutions before using them.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Anti-funga, Plant extracts, Seed-borne fungi, Seed germination, Seed treatment, Seedling vigour