Antifungal activity of weed aqueous extracts on Persian lime anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Citrus anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is an economically important disease around the world affecting the pre- and postharvest stages. While fungicides have been used to control this disease, integrated management systems associated with biological control techniques are a sustainable alternative. In the present study, we report the in vitro effect of leaf aqueous extracts (at 1, 2 and 4 percent w/v)of Argemone mexicana, Datura discolor and Amaranthus palmeri collected from northern Sinaloa (Mexico), against the growth of C. gloesporioides. The D. discolor extract inhibited fungal mycelial growth by 52-73 percent and did not differ from the chemical treatment (carbendazim-1 ppm). In addition, the D. discolor application at 4 percent reduced anthracnose in Persian lime fruit similar to fungicide treatment. These results indicate that the aqueous extract of D. discolor has the potential to control citrus anthracnose in Persian lime fruits. Our findings thus open the pathway for future research focusing on strategies to manage citrus anthracnose caused by C. gloeosporioides.