Antifungal activity of Ageratum conyzoides extract against Fusarium oxysporum in Musa spp

Abstract Ageratum conyzoides though considered an invasive, troublesome weed has been proven beneficial due to its antifungal properties, making it a promising component for the development of environmentally friendly fungicides. In this study, the plant extract derived from Ageratum conyzoides is tested for its antifungal property against Fusarium oxysporum, fungi that have been causing devastating disease among the banana plant also known as the Fusarium wilt or Panama disease. In vitro antifungal assay of the plant extract with different concentrations (4%, 6%, 8% and 10%) derived from several parts of the plant, such as the leaf, inflorescence and stem were tested against the Fusarium oxysporum by using poisoned food technique and its mycelial growth are recorded to calculate the inhibition percentage. From the study, all the plant extracts derived from the different parts were able to inhibit the mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum although maximum inhibition was observed on the inflorescence extract with 10% concentration, followed by leaf extract with 8% concentration and stem extract with 10% concentration. In conclusion, there is a possibility for Ageratum conyzoides plant extract with higher concentration to pose as a natural fungicide against Panama disease.