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Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Seaweed Extract for The

Control of Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium Oxysporum F. Sp. Cubense Tr4) of
Potted ‘Cavendish’ Banana Under Nursery Condi...

Article · July 2016

DOI: 10.12983/ijsres-2016-p0208-0218

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 International Journal of Scientific Research in Environmental Sciences, 4(7), pp. 0208-0218, 2016
Available online at http://www.ijsrpub.com/ijsres
ISSN: 2322-4983; ©2016; Author(s) retain the copyright of this article
http://dx.doi.org/10.12983/ijsres-2016-p0208-0218

Full Length Research Paper

Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Seaweed Extract for The Control of

Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium Oxysporum F. Sp. Cubense Tr4) of Potted ‘Cavendish’
Banana Under Nursery Condition
Leslie T. Ubaub*, Liza Belle C. Poblacion

University of Southeastern Philippines, College of Agriculture and Related Sciences, Apokon, Tagum City, Davao del Norte,
8100 Philippines
*Corresponding Author; leslie.ubaub@usep.edu.ph

Received 21 July 2016; Accepted 09 November 2016

Abstract. The Philippines ranked as the third largest banana producer in the world. The data from the Bureau of Agricultural
Statistics shows banana production in Davao Region alone reached 849.24 thousand metric tons in 2014. However, in 2012,
the industry suffered from massive lost due to the disease known as Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium Oxysporum F. Sp.
Cubense Tr4. The study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi at different
rates supplemented with seaweed extract for the control of Fusarium wilt of ‗Cavendish‘ banana and to determine the growth
performance of ‗Cavendish‘ banana plantlets as affected by VAM at different rates supplemented with seaweed extract. The
experiment was laid out following the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with seven treatments replicated three times
with five samples per replication. The treatments were; T1- Negative control; T2- Positive control; T3- 5 g VAM + Foc TR4;
T4- Seaweed Extract + Foc TR4; T5- 3 g VAM + Foc TR4 + Seaweed Extract; T6- 5 g VAM + Foc TR4 + Seaweed Extract ;
T7- 7 g VAM + Foc TR4 + Seaweed Extract. Result showed that the application of VAM supplemented with Seaweed Extract
positively affects the plant height and pseudostem diameter of ‗Cavendish‘ banana seedlings under Foc TR4 disease pressure.
The rates of VAM likewise delay the days to symptoms appearance and reduce incidence and severity of Panama disease.

Keywords: ‗Cavendish‘ Banana; Fusarium wilt; Seaweed Extract; Supplement; Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi;

1. INTRODUCTION Banana production, however, is limited by a

Banana (Musa spp.) is the fourth most important
global food commodity after rice, wheat and maize in
terms of gross value production. At present, it is
grown in more than 120 countries throughout tropical
and subtropical regions. Banana acts as a starchy
staple food crop for approximately 500 million
people, particularly those in the least developed
countries, where many poor families are involved in
its cultivation and many others benefit as consumers
(CGIAR, 2014).
The Philippines ranked as the third largest in the
world with 415, 000 hectares in 2004 and increasing
at the rate of 2.2 % per year. Davao region has been
known as the ―Banana Capital‖ in the country where
the province of Davao del Norte being the top
producer. The data from the Bureau of Agricultural
Statistics (BAS, 2014), shows banana production in
Davao Region reached 849.24 thousand metric tons in
2014. This is about 38.9 % of the total Philippine
production.
disease called Fusarium wilt which is also known as
Panama disease. Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium
oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc TR4),
typically attacks the ‗Cavendish‘ variety. This is
problematic for the country‘s Cavendish-based
industry which provides jobs to more than 300, 000
people and generates foreign revenues of more than
700 million US dollars (Molina et al., 2012).
It is a soil-borne fungus which remains in infected
soil areas for years. Foc TR4 attacks banana plant‘s
vascular system and obstruct the uptake of water and
soil nutrients, resulting to wilting and death of the
plants (Provido, 2012).
Reports on Fusarium wilt shows infections on
more than 1,000 hectares of plantation in Mindanao;
which have caused grave concern to the country‘s
banana industry. The increased use of chemical
fertilizers and some organic fertilizers in agriculture
helped the country in achieving self-sufficiency in
food production. However, it has also polluted the
environment and caused slow deterioration of soil.

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 Ubaub and Poblacion
Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Seaweed Extract for The Control of Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium Oxysporum F. Sp.
Cubense Tr4) of Potted ‘Cavendish’ Banana Under Nursery Condition
As of now, there is no report on the total
eradication of Foc TR4. Nowadays, great attention
has been focused on the possibility of using natural
and safe agents for promoting growth and for inducing
its resistance against different diseases such as the
Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (VAM) of
which several studies reported its colonization can be
of great importance for growth and nutrition of host
plants (Mosse, 1973). It does not only increase the
resistance of plants to soil-borne pathogens, but also
to unfavorable growth conditions and various stress
factors (Winter, 1951; Dehne, 1987). In addition,
VAM fungi have been reported to reduce the effect of
Fusarium sp and Ralstonia solani on plants (Schenck
and Kellam, 1978). The mechanisms of control of
VAM is it increase nutrient uptake ability of plant
roots, reduce access sites of root-invading pathogens
and stimulate host defence, changes in the microbial
and composition in the mycorrhizosphere. On the
other hand, an organic foliar fertilizer derived from
the drippings of Kappaphycus alvarezii named
Kappaphycus Drippings (KD) foliar fertilizer has been
proven to accelerate the health and growth of plants. It
is said to contain macro and micro nutrients as a bio
stimulant for the plants. Promoting seaweed extracts
can reduce disease and promote plant growth. The
application of seaweed extract for different crops was
a great importance due to its high levels of organic
matter, micro elements and vitamins. Hence, this
study aims to evaluate the efficacy of VAM and
seaweed extract (KD product) for the control of
Fusarium wilt (fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense
TR4) of potted ‗Cavendish‘ banana under nursery
condition and determine the growth performance of
‗Cavendish‘ banana plantlets.
2. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY
2.1. Location and Duration of the study
The nursery experiment was conducted at the Panama
Research Project Area, University of Southeastern
Philippines, Tagum-Mabini Campus, Pindasan,
Mabini, Compostela Valley Province from 2015 to
2016. The area was totally cleaned by cutting grasses
using bolo. It was constructed using coconut frond as
shade and bamboo poles as foundation and support.
The test plants were placed in an elevated table with a
height of 2 feet and a dimension of 8m x 6m.
2.2. Experimental Design and Treatments
The experiment was laid out in a Completely
Randomized Design (CRD) with seven treatments and
replicated three times with 5 samples per replication.
A total of 105 plantlets were used in the study. The
209
following treatments were used in the study: T1-
Negative control (without Foc TR4); T2- Positive
control (with Foc TR4); T3- 5 g VAM + Foc TR4;
T4- Seaweed Extract + Foc TR4; T5- 3 g VAM + Foc
TR4 + Seaweed Extract; T6- 5 g VAM + Foc TR4 +
Seaweed Extract; T7- 7 g VAM + Foc TR4 +
Seaweed Extract.
2.3. Preparation of Potting Medium
The potting medium was prepared using sandy-loam
soil and was pasteurized in a drum with a temperature
of 60 for about 30 mins. It was done to ensure that it
is free from microorganism causing disease prior to
inoculation. The pasteurized soil was allowed to cool
before putting it in the prepared 12‘ x 18‘
polyethylene bags. The bags were placed in bigger
plastic bags without holes to make sure that Foc TR4
will not spread in the area.
2.4. Preparation of Test Plant
One-month old tissue cultured ‗Cavendish‘ banana
plantlet var. Grand Naine was used in the study. The
plantlets were transplanted from the original bag to
another polyethylene bag filled with pasteurized
potting medium. The plantlets were carefully uprooted
to avoid root damage during transplanting. Prior to
inoculation and transplanting, three root hairs were
crushed slowly by hand to facilitate the entry of Foc
TR4. To avoid intense heat from the sun, the seedlings
were placed in a partially shaded area to maintain its
moisture.
2.5. Source of Foc TR4
Pure culture of Foc TR4 was acquired from Panama
Research Laboratory Mabini Unit and was mass
produced on a half strength Potato Sucrose Agar
medium. Cultured disk was obtained from pure
culture of Foc TR4 and was planted on fresh half
strength PSA medium using a sterile transfer needle.
2.6. Mass production and Inoculation of Foc TR4
The medium for mass production of Foc TR4 was
composed of 200 g of corn grits and 1 kg of sand
mixture following the methods of Mandariaga (2014).
The mixture was put in a polypropylene bag added
with 100 ml of non-chlorinated water. The mixture
was tightly losed and sterilized in the pressure cooker
at 15 psi for 30 minutes. The prepared sterilized
medium was planted with agar blocks of 10-day old
Foc TR4 pure culture and incubated for two weeks at
minimum room temperature. A two-week old
inoculum of Foc TR4 in corn grits-sand medium was
 International Journal of Scientific Research in Environmental Sciences, 4(7), pp. 0208-0218, 2016

applied at the rate of 30 grams/plant near at the root application was after one week from transplanting of
zone of ‗Grand Naine‘ potted plantlets. plantlets.

2.7. Preparation and Pre-treatment of Plantlets 2.8. Data Gathered

with VAM and KD Foliar Fertilizer
The VAM used in the experiment was purchased at
JM Store, Bonifacio Street, Tagum City. The first
application of VAM was applied before transplanting.
It was buried in two inches depth and according to the
rates per treatment. VAM was allowed to establish for
2 weeks before transplanting.
A Kappaphycus Drippings (KD) Foliar Fertilizer
was purchased from Southern Philippines Agri-
Business and Marine and Aquatic School of
Technology (SPAMAST), Malita, Davao del Sur.
Twenty ml of KD Foliar Fertilizer was diluted into a
one (1) L of distilled water. Each plantlet received 250
ml solution throughout the study. This was applied
every two weeks early in the morning and the 1st
2.8.1. Days to Appearance of Pseudostem Splitting
and Yellowing Symptoms
Days to appearance symptoms was determined by
counting the number of days from inoculation to first
appearance of yellowing and splitting symptoms. It
was monitored daily.
2.8.2. Fusarium Wilt Incidence
This was determined by getting the number of plants
showing disease symptoms and the total number of
assessed plant. It was computed using this formula
below.

Number of plantlets showing disease symptoms

Diseased Incidence = X 100
Total number of sample plantlets

2.8.3. Disease Severity based on the Corm
Discoloration
The data was gathered at the termination of the study.
The sample plant will be cut in cross-sectioned and
the disease severity was assessed based on the
discoloration of the plant corm using the following
rating scale (Table 1) proposed by International
Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain
(INIBAP, 1996).

Based on the standard rating scale, disease severity was computed as follow:
∑ (Number on scale x Number of plantlets in that scale)
Diseased Severity = X 100
Number of treated seedlings x highest ratings
Degree of efficacy of the treatment was based on the computed disease severity for rhizome discoloration using a
rating scale (Table 2).

2.8.4. Agronomic Data 2.9. Statistical Analysis

2.8.4.1. Plant Height (cm)
This was taken by measuring the basal portion of the
plant up to the apical V. It was expressed in
centimeter. The height of the plant was measured at
30, 60 and 90 days after transplanting. Initial data of
the ‗Cavendish‘ banana plantlet was taken before
transplanting.
The different data gathered from the study were
analyzed using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
following by Completely Randomized Design (CRD)
and the difference between treatments was computed
using Tukey‘s HSD when variances are significant.
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

2.8.4.2. Pseudostem Diameter (mm) 3.1. Number of Days to Symptoms Appearance

This was obtained by measuring the diameter of the
pseudostem of six samples ‗Cavendish‘ banana
seedlings. This was measured one inch above the
potting medium using a caliper at 30, 60 and 90 days
after transplanting.
The number of days to appearance of pseudostem
splitting and leaf yellowing symptoms (Figure 1) in
‗Cavendish‘ banana plantlets caused by Foc TR4 as
influenced by application of different rates of VAM
supplemented with Seaweed Extract (Foliar) is
presented in Table 3.

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 Ubaub and Poblacion
Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Seaweed Extract for The Control of Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium Oxysporum F. Sp.
Cubense Tr4) of Potted ‘Cavendish’ Banana Under Nursery Condition

The result showed that at 7 g VAM + Seaweed
Extract incubation period of Foc TR4 was the longest,
this can be attributed to the characteristics of Vam
fungi been shown to provide physical barrier against
invading pathogens resulting from restriction of Foc
TR4 to easily invade the plant hosts causing the
delayed of symptoms according to Jaizme-Vega et.al
(1998) as cited by Mandariaga (2015). The active
principles of algae are responsible for antifungal
activity. It is clear that the algae Caulerpa racemosa
has the potential to control the fungal pathogen
Fusarium oxysporum which causes the fungal disease
to a larger extent.

Table 1: Rating scale for disease severity for rhizome discoloration

Scale Description

1 No vascular discoloration
2 Discoloration confined in the junction of root and rhizome plexus
3 Discoloration of up to one-third of the vascular tissues
4 Discoloration between one-third and two thirds of vascular tissues
5 Discoloration of greater than two-thirds of vascular tissues
6 Total discoloration of vascular tissues

Table 2: Rating scale for the degree of efficacy of the treatments based on rhizome discoloration
Disease Index Degree of Effectiveness
1 to 1.5 Very Effective (VE)
Between 1.6 and 3 Effective (E)
Between 3.1 and 4.5 Moderately Effective (ME)
Between 4.6 and 6 Not Effective (NE)

Table 3: Mean number of days to appearance of symptoms caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp cubense in ‗Cavendish‘
banana plantlets applied with VAM and Seaweed Extract
Replication
Treatments Total Mean
I II III
T1 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00c
T2 40.40 46.60 42.50 129.5 43.10 b
T3 52.50 53.50 45.30 151.30 50.40 ab
T4 48.30 50.60 50.50 149.40 49.80 ab
T5 55.30 53.00 48.00 156.30 52.10 ab
T6 58.00 55.00 47.50 160.50 53.50 a
T7 54.00 58.00 55.50 167.50 55.80a
C.V = 7.14 %; * = Significant at 5% level; Means in a column having the same letter superscripts are significantly different at 5 % level.
and Table 4). Highest disease incidence was observed
Although, it was comparable with all other in plantlets treated with VAM alone wherein at Week
treatments. Plantlets treated with 5 g VAM alone, 2, 13.33% was recorded and it progressed to 33.33%
Seaweed Extract alone and 3 g VAM + Seaweed at Week 3 and at Week 4 reached 66.66%. This was
extract showed a comparable incubation period with followed by treatment with Seaweed Extract alone
the positive control. Based on the result, it seems that wherein similar to the Treatment 3 disease incidence
VAM inoculation did not delay the appearance of Foc was recorded at Week 2 with 6.66% then progressed
even if longer time was provided for VAM to to 33.33% at Week 3 and at Week 4 it reached
establish association with banana roots. According to 46.66%. Disease incidence of all treatments with a
Davis, et. al (1978), several studies indicated that combination of different level of VAM and Seaweed
VAM may influence development of root diseases Extract were recorded starting at Week 3 with
caused by soil borne fungi. Other studies showed that 13.33%. Among these treatments, 3 g of VAM with
mycorhizzalcotton plants grew better but suffered Seaweed Extract recorded the highest incidence at
more from Verticillium wilt, compared to Week 4 with 40% while 5 g of VAM with Seaweed
nonmycorhizzal plants. Extract and 7g of VAM with Seaweed Extract both
recorded incidence of 26.66%. At Week 5 after Foc
3.2. Disease Incidence inoculation, disease incidence of plantlets treated with
7 g of VAM with Seaweed Extract, 5 g of VAM with
The Fusarium wilt incidence on ‗Cavendish‘ banana Seaweed Extract, 3 g of VAM with Seaweed Extract,
plantlets as influenced by the application of different Seaweed Extract alone and 5 g of VAM alone were
rates of VAM supplemented with Seaweed Extract stabilized at 33.33%, 46.66%, 46.66%, 53.33% and
was monitored weekly after Foc inoculation (Figure 2

211
 International Journal of Scientific Research in Environmental Sciences, 4(7), pp. 0208-0218, 2016

73.33%, respectively. While at Week 3, all plantlets in with Panama disease but percentage of disease
Positive control died and none in Negative control. incidence was significantly different with Positive
All test plants applied with different rates of VAM control with a mean of 100.00 %.
supplemented with Seaweed Extract were infected

Figure 1: External Symptoms of Fusarium Wilt of Banana. (a) Pseudostem splitting (b) Yellow streaking on leaves (c) Bunchy
appearance (d) Plant showing advanced symptoms of Fusarium wilt

Table 4: Percentage disease incidence of Fusarium wilt disease on ‗Cavendish‘ banana plantlets as influenced by VAM
supplemented with Seaweed Extract and Foc TR4 inoculation.
Replication
Treatments Total Mean*
I II III
T1 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00a
T2 100.00 100.00 100.00 300.00 100.00c
T3 80.00 80.00 60.00 220.00 73.33bc
T4 60.00 60.00 40.00 160.00 53.33b
T5 60.00 80.00 20.00 160.00 53.33b
T6 40.00 60.00 40.00 140.00 46.66b
T7 40.00 20.00 40.00 100.00 33.33ab
C.V = 24.12 %; * = Significant at 5% level; Mean in a column having the same letter superscripts are significantly different at 5 % level.

Table 5: Severity of infection based on Corm discoloration of ‗Cavendish‘ banana plantlets as influenced by the different
treatments
Replication
Treatments Total Mean
I II III
T1 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00a
T2 100.00 100.00 100.00 300.00 100.00c
T3 90.00 80.00 76.66 246.66 82.22b
T4 90.00 66.66 83.33 239.99 79.99b
T5 86.66 86.66 66.66 239.98 79.99 b
T6 83.33 83.33 73.33 239.99 79.99 b
T7 33.00 63.33 76.66 172.99 57.66 b
CV = 10.58 %; **= Highly significant at 1 % level; Means in a column having the same letter superscripts are highly significantly different
at 5 % level

Plantlets treated with 7 g VAM + Seaweed Extract
has the lowest disease incidence of 33.33 % which
was comparable with Negative control (Uninoculated,
untreated plantlets). While it was comparable with 5 g
VAM with Seaweed Extract, 3 g VAM with Seaweed
Extract, Seaweed alone and 5 g VAM alone. Disease
incidence on plantlets treated with 5 g VAM alone
was statistically comparable with the Positive control.
Result showed that the higher the rate of VAM
supplemented with Seaweed Extract resulted to lower
Foc incidence. This may be due to the fact that VAM
fungi have been shown to provide physical barrier
against invading pathogens resulting from restriction
of Foc TR4 to easily invade the plant hosts causing
the delayed of symptoms (Jaizme-Vega et al.,1998) as
cited by Mandariaga (2015). In addition, seaweeds are
the potential resource of bioactive compounds as they
are considered to produce a great variety of secondary
metabolites (Cox et al., 2010), special attention has
been reported for antibacterial and/or antifungal
activities related to marine algae against several. The
active principles of algae are responsible for

212
 Ubaub and Poblacion
Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Seaweed Extract for The Control of Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium Oxysporum F. Sp.
Cubense Tr4) of Potted ‘Cavendish’ Banana Under Nursery Condition

antifungal activity. It is clear that the algae Caulerpa (Kolanjinathan and Stella, 2009). While the absence
racemosa has the potential to control the fungal of Seaweed Extracts in Treatment with only VAM
pathogen Fusarium oxysporum which causes the results to a high disease incidence.
fungal disease to larger extent pathogens

Fig. 2: Percentage disease incidence of Fusarium wilt disease on ‗Cavendish‘ banana plantlets as influenced by VAM
supplemented with Seaweed Extract and Foc TR4 inoculation Weeks After inoculation (WAI)
*Weeks after inoculation

3.3 Disease Severity are considered to produce a great variety of secondary

Severity of infection based on corm discoloration
(Figure 3) of ‗Cavendish‘ banana plantlets as
influenced by application of different rates of VAM
supplemented with Seaweed Extract (Table 5).
Highest level of disease severity index based on
corm discoloration was observed on untreated Positive
control. Foc TR4 inoculated plants (positive control)
had a mean infection index of 6.0 indication of totally
severed corm and vascular discoloration resulting
from a significant difference from the rest of the
treated sample plants. All VAM supplemented with
Seaweed Extract treated plants were comparable to
each other with a mean ranging from 3.4 to 4.4
indicated that corm discoloration was between 1/3 and
2/3 of corm tissues. As expected, negative control did
not show any discolorations resulting from a highly
significant difference from the rest of the treatments.
This may be due to the fact that VAM fungi have been
shown to provide physical barrier against invading
pathogens resulting from restriction of Foc TR4 to
easily invade the plant hosts causing the delayed of
symptoms according to Jaizme-Vega et.al.,(1998) as
cited by Mandariaga (2015). In addition, seaweeds are
the potential resource of bioactive compounds as they
metabolites (Cox et al., 2010), special attention has
been reported for antibacterial and/or antifungal
activities related to marine algae against several
pathogens (Kolanjinathan and Stella, 2009). The
active principles of algae are responsible for
antifungal activity. It is clear that the algae Caulerpa
racemosa has the potential to control the fungal
pathogen Fusarium oxysporum.
Results implied that treatments which were treated
with different rates of VAM supplemented with
Seaweed Extract reduced the discoloration of vascular
tissues compared to positive control, indication of the
efficacy of the treatments to reduce the effect of
Fusarium wilt.
3.4. Degree of Efficacy
Degree of efficacy was based on the computed disease
severity for corm discoloration as influenced by VAM
supplemented with Seaweed Extract (Table 6). In
treatments which were treated with VAM
supplemented with Seaweed Extract, obtained disease
index ranged from 3.5 – 4.4 were moderately
effective.

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 International Journal of Scientific Research in Environmental Sciences, 4(7), pp. 0208-0218, 2016
Table 6: Degree of efficacy of the different treatments based on the mean number of disease index
Treatment Disease Index*
1 0.0
2 6.6
3 5.1
4 4.8
5 4.4
6 4.4
7 3.5
CV = 42.5 %; *= significant at 1 % level; Means in a column having the same letter superscripts are significantly different at 5 % level.
Plants treated with VAM supplemented with
Seaweed Extract had a disease index ranging between
3.4 and 4.4 with a degree of effectiveness of
Moderately Effective. Compared to positive control
which had a disease index of 6.0 (Not Effective)
degree of effectiveness, All VAM supplemented with
Seaweed Extract treated plants showed significant
difference in terms of efficacy excluding Treatment 1
(negative control) which had a disease index between
1 to 1.5 revealed a Very Effective degree and showed
highly significant difference from the rest of the
treatments.
The results affirmed the efficacy of VAM
supplemented with Seaweed Extract to reduce the
infection of Fusarium wilt. According to Jaizme-Vega
et.al., (1998) as cited by Mandariaga (2015),
application of Glomus spp. (VAM fungi) to
micro propagated plantlets (Grand Nain) reduced the
internal and external symptoms of Foc TR4 and
enhanced plant development and nutrient uptake of
the plants as well as Seaweed extracts have been
shown to enhance plant defense against pest and
diseases reported by Allen et.al. (2001).
3.5. Agronomic Data
3.5.1. Plant Height (cm)
Data on height of ‗Cavendish‘ banana plantlets as
affected by the different rates of VAM supplemented
with Seaweed Extract against Fusarium wilt of banana
(Figure 4). From the initial height of plantlets ranged
from 5.3 increased to 6.2 cm. At 30 DAT, height
ranged 7.9 to 9.4 cm while at 60 DAT, plant height
ranged 13.9 to 20.5 cm, and at 90 DAT ranged from
15.6 to 25 cm.
At 30 DAT no significant difference was observed
among treatment means. However, numerically, the
214
Degree of Efficacy
-
-
Not Effective
Not Effective
Moderately Effective
Moderately Effective
Moderately Effective
highest mean height was observed at 5 g VAM (10
cm) and 3 g VAM + Seaweed Extract (10 cm)
compared to the positive control which gained the
lowest height of 6.9 cm.
The highest plant height at 60 DAT was observed
on plantlets treated 7 g VAM + Seaweed Extract (20.5
cm) followed by 5 g VAM + Seaweed Extract (20.2
cm) and the negative control gained lowest plant
height of 13.9 cm. At 90 DAT the highest plant height
was 7 g VAM + Seaweed Extract (25 cm) and the
negative control gained lowest plant height of 13.9
cm.
3.5.2. Pseudostem Diameter (mm)
The pseudostem diameter of ‗Cavendish‘ banana
plantlets as influenced by application of VAM
supplemented with Seaweed Extract (Figure 5). From
the initial pseudostem diameter of plantlets increased
from 6.3 to 7.1 cm. At 30 DAT, diameter ranged 9.3
to 9.4 cm while at 60 DAT, ranged 9.9 to 14.7 cm,
and at 90 DAT ranged from 11.8 to 17.3 cm.
At 30 DAT, significant differences were observed
among treatment means. However, numerically, the
highest mean diameter were observed at 5 g VAM, 3
g VAM + Foc TR4 + Seaweed Extract, 5 g VAM +
Seaweed Extract and 7 g VAM + Seaweed Extract
(9.4 cm) followed by 5 g VAM, Seaweed alone,
numerically comparable to the positive control which
gained the lowest diameter of 9.3 cm.
The highest diameter at 60 DAT was observed on
plantlets treated 7 g VAM + Seaweed Extract (14.7
cm) followed by 3 g VAM + Seaweed Extract (14.5
cm) and the negative control gained lowest plant
height of 13.9 cm. At 90 DAT the highest plant height
is 7 g VAM + Seaweed Extract (25 cm) and the
positive control gained lowest plant height of 9.9 cm.
 Ubaub and Poblacion
Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Seaweed Extract for The Control of Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium Oxysporum F. Sp.
Cubense Tr4) of Potted ‘Cavendish’ Banana Under Nursery Condition

Fig. 3: Longitudinal cross-section of sample plants showing corm discoloration as influenced by the different treatments; (a)
T1, (b) T2, (c) T3, (d) T4 (e) T5 (f) T6 (g)

Based on the results 7 g VAM + Seaweed Extract from its initial diameter (6.3 mm), 30 DAT (9.2 mm),
has the highest plant height increased from the initial 60 DAT (13.8 mm) and 90 DAT (17.3 mm), which
(5.4 cm), 30 DAT (9.4 cm), 60 DAT (20.5 cm) and 90 resulted to increase plant height and pseudostem
DAT (25 cm), also with the pseudostem diameter diameter.

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 International Journal of Scientific Research in Environmental Sciences, 4(7), pp. 0208-0218, 2016

Fig. 4: Mean of the plant height of ‘Cavendish‘ banana plantlets as influenced by the different treatments

It can be attributed to the characteristics of VAM 4. CONCLUSION

and Seaweed. Furthermore, the mechanisms of control
of VAM is it increase nutrient uptake ability of plant
roots, reduce access sites of root-invading pathogens
and stimulate host defence, changes in the microbial
and composition in the mycorrhizosphere according to
Aggangan (1989) as cited by Banua (2014) and
Seaweed extract also has a growth-promoting effect
on plants, seaweeds also affect the physical, chemical,
and biological properties of soil which in turn
influence plant growth.
Seaweeds and seaweed extracts enhance soil health
by improving moisture-holding capacity and by
promoting the growth of beneficial soil microbes as
reported by Craigie, J., et al. (2009).
Based on the results, it can be concluded that the
application of VAM supplemented with seaweed
extract enhanced the plant growth and further delayed
the symptoms as well as reduced the disease incidence
and severity of Fusarium wilt. In terms of efficacy, all
VAM supplemented with seaweed extract were
moderately effective. Moreover, based on its
numerical mean, the highest rates of VAM
supplemented with seaweed extract exhibited great
potential to promote plant growth as well as a reduced
the effects of Fusarium wilt for as much as 50%.

216
 Ubaub and Poblacion
Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Seaweed Extract for The Control of Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium Oxysporum F. Sp.
Cubense Tr4) of Potted ‘Cavendish’ Banana Under Nursery Condition

Fig. 5: Mean of the pseaudostem diameter of ‗Cavendish‘ banana plantlets as influenced by the different treatments

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Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Seaweed Extract for The Control of Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium Oxysporum F. Sp.
Cubense Tr4) of Potted ‘Cavendish’ Banana Under Nursery Condition

Dr. Leslie T. Ubaub is a faculty member of the College of Agriculture and Related Sciences in
the University of Southeastern Philippines, Tagum City. She finished her PhD degree in
Entomology in the University of the Philippines-Los Baños. In 2016, she was awarded a
Fulbright fellowship for six months in the University of Arizona, Tucson, USA as a visiting
scholar to do morphological and molecular identification of an Entomopathogenic Nematode
(EPN) collected from the Philippines. She was also an Erasmus Mundus Fellow wherein she
spent six months in the University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain doing research on
EPN. Her research interest is in Integrated Pest Management particularly the use of Biological
Control Agents.

Ms. Liza Belle C. Poblacion is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Plant
Pathology in the University of Southeastern Philippines, Tagum-Mabini Campus, Mabini Unit,
Compostela Valley Province. She is currently working in the same university as Staff in the
Office of Instruction, Curriculum, and Accreditation Office.

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