Evaluation of four plants compost teas against fungi responsible for Corn damping-off in Côte d’Ivoire

Corn (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereals in Côte d'Ivoire. However, Corn seeds and seedlings are susceptible to infection by a number of soilborne fungi which caused seeds decay before or after germination. The objective of this study is to evaluate the suppressive effect of Four plants compost teas (Chromolaena odorata, Ricinus communis, Nicotiana tabacum, Azadiracta indica) on Corn damping off. In vitro assays showed a most suppressive effect of C. odorata and R. communis compost teas on mycelial growth of pathogenic fungi. Results of in vivo trials showed significant reduction of Corn seedlings diseases incidence and high seed germination percent after treatment with C. odorata, R. communis and A. indica compost teas. No efficiency effect was noted with N. tabacum compost tea. This study demonstrated the usefulness of compost tea as an efficient biological tool for the control of fungi responsible of corn damping-off.