In Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation of Aqueousandethanolic Extracts of Khaya Senegalensisagainst Colletotrichum Falcatuminsugarcane(saccharum Officinarum)

This study investigated the efficacy of Khaya senegalensis (Mahogany) extracts (leaves, stem, roots, and oil) as bio- control agents against sugarcane stem red rot (Colletotrichum falcatum) in Mubi North, Adamawa State. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins in the ethanolic andaqueous extracts and oil. In vitro and in vivo experiments, using concentrations of 20%, 60%, and 100%, revealedthat while Khaya senegalensis oil achieved a 33.00 mm zone of inhibition at 100% concentration, the syntheticpositive control, Cyperforce, significantly outperformed it with a 99.67 mm (or 98.69 mm in a later mention) zoneof inhibition. The Khaya senegalensis extracts showed a maximum zone of inhibition of 27.75 mmat 100%concentration. However, in vivo trials indicated that the mahogany root extract, particularly the aqueous format concentrations below 100%, exhibited a pronounced effect and higher inhibition compared to ethanolic extracts. This suggests that Khaya senegalensis extracts show promise in suppressing Colletotrichum falcatum in both laboratory and field conditions, with the root and oil extracts being particularly noteworthy. Despite the positive control’s superior performance, the presence of bioactive compounds in mahogany warrants further research into optimizing extraction methods, concentrations, and potential synergistic combinations for developing effective and cost-efficient alternatives for farmers.