Plant products along with biocontrol agents were tested against Fusarium wilt of banana caused by
Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc). Of the 22 plant species tested, the leaf extract of Datura metel
(10%) showed complete inhibition of the mycelial growth of Foc. Two botanical fungicides, Wanis 20
EC and Damet 50 EC along with selected PGPR strains with known biocontrol activity, Pseudomonas fluorescens
1, Pf1 and Bacillus subtilis, TRC 54 were tested individually and in combination for the management
of Fusarium wilt under greenhouse and field conditions. Combined application of botanical
formulation and biocontrol agents (Wanis 20 EC + Pf1 + TRC 54) reduced the wilt incidence significantly
under greenhouse (64%) and field conditions (75%). Reduction in disease incidence was positively correlated
with the induction of defense-related enzymes peroxidase (PO) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO).
Three antifungal compounds (two glycosides and one ester) in D. metel were separated and identified
using TLC, RP-HPLC (Reverse Phase-High Pressure Liquid Chromatography) and mass spectrometry. In
this study it is clear that combined application of botanical formulations and biocontrol agents can be
very effective in the management of Fusarium wilt of banana.