Abstract

Colletotrichum destructivum is the causal pathogen of cowpea anthracnose; botanical extracts and benlate fungicide were evaluated as Biopesticides/chemical control strategies in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L). Botanicals of four plants: Azadiractha indica,Cymbopogon citratus, Ocimum gratissimum, and Xylopia aethiopica, proved effective in reducing spore germination and colony growth in vitro and the growth of the pathogen in vivo. The extracts of X. aethiopica and A. indica more effectively reduced both the growth of the pathogen in vitro and the spread of the disease in vivo. Extracts and benlate applied both before and after pathogen inoculation of cowpea significantly reduced the size of pathogen induced lesion.

Key words: Anthracnose, diseases, biopesticides, botanical, benlate, Colletotrichum destructivum.