Using Moringa oleifera Extracts to Control Blackrot (Xanthomonas campestris) in Field Grown Rape (Brassica napus)

The leaf, bark and seed extracts of Moringa oleifera were evaluated for their efficacy under field conditions in suppressing Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris in rape (Brassica napus. L.). Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris is an important bacterial pathogen of agricultural importance causing devastating black rot disease of Brassicas. Three extracts concentrations of 60, 100 and 140% were sprayed as foliar applications weekly and the antibacterial activity was evaluated by recording number of totally defoliated plants. The three extracts showed significant effect against the test pathogen (p > 0.05). The antibacterial activity of seed extract demonstrated higher activity against the Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris as evidenced by lower mean leaf defoliation of 1.59 cm followed by bark (2.58 cm) and lastly leaf extracts (2.96 cm) (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences based on the concentration levels used. Observations revealed that 100% and 140% levels were not significantly different from each other on enhancing growth of the stem diameter. Moringa seed at 60% concentration level can be used to enhance growth of rape. The conclusion is that Moringa seed extracts can be effectively implemented to suppress Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris pathogen in field grown rape in an integrated disease control program.