Scientific publications
Gaston Elock Mbang
Arouna Meshuneké
Fabrice Damien Wassom
Aristide Dzelamonyuy
NICOLAS NIEMENAK
Cameroon Journal of Biological and Biochemical Sciences
Plantain is a staple food that contributes to food security in sub-Saharan Africa. However, its production remains insufficient due to various constraints, including parasitic pressure from Mycosphaerella fijiensis. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a bioproduct based on Tithonia diversifolia and Emilia coccinea on the growth and protection of PIF plantains. Two bioproduct modalities (B1 and B2) were produced, and treated PIF plants were generated. Bioproduct stability, in vitro test against Mycosphaerella fijiensis, growth parameters, susceptibility to Mycosphaerella fijiensis, and biomarker accumulation on PIF plantain leaves were evaluated. Growth was monitored for six months, and the leaves aged three and six months were taken at different periods (BI, 3AI and 28AI). The results show that the bioproduct was very stable and should be stored at room temperature away from light. The in vitro confrontation test revealed a very significant (P< 0.0001) inhibitory effect of the bioproduct on Mycosphaerella fijiensis growth. It stimulated explant germination as well as production of a large number of seedlings with significant increase in diameter, height and leaf surface area by 78.05%, 47.42% and 246.90% respectively compared to untreated seedlings. In addition, seedlings of different ages treated with the bioproduct showed very low sensitivity to Mycosphaerella fijiensis, especially those aged six months. Bioproduct treatment also significantly improved the accumulation of defense biomarkers before and after inoculation, with a greater effect observed three days after inoculation. The use of the bioproduct B2 appears to be effective and eco-responsible, and could be an effective tool for improving plant quality. Keywords: Biological product, Mycosphaerella fijiensis, PIF plantain, Growth and defense biomarkers.
