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VOL. 8, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Bioactive effect of lime and lemon peels extracts on soil microflora load and disease incidence on soybean
Authors
Chimankpa W Worlu, Joy Worukwo-Emma Nneji, Nyekachi B Wofu, Fortune N C Okogbule
Abstract
This study investigated the bioactive effects
of lime and lemon peels extracts on microbial load and disease incidence of
soybean plant. The research was carried out at the demonstration site of Plant
Science and Biotechnology, Rivers State University. Completely randomized
design was adopted. Treatments were lime peel extract, lemon peel extract, and
a combination of both at 5mgl-1, 10mgl-1 and 15mgl-1
concentration levels in triplicates plus the control. Colony forming unit
was used to determine the soil microbial load 7 Days After Planting (7DAP) and
visual assessment method was used to describe and estimate the quantitative
damage that manifested in plant leaves 8 Weeks After Planting (8WAP) for the
various concentrations. Results showed that lime and lemon peels extracts
exhibited bioactive effect on the soil-borne fungal pathogens associated with
soybean by reducing Mucor sp, Rhizopus sp, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium
notatum, Fusarium sp, Candida sp. load in the soil thereby inhibiting
disease incidences such as chlorosis, leaf spot, leaf blight, rust and curling
to economic manageable level. Mucor sp was mostly inhibited. The disease
symptoms were susceptible to lemon and lime peels extracts at lower
concentrations but had more inhibitory impact at higher concentrations. The
combination of lime and lemon peels extracts showed rapid and higher
antimicrobial activity as it relates to the overall disease manifestation on
the vegetative and foliar parts of soybean. The extracts reduced the soil
microbial loads and inhibited the foliar diseases to an economically manageable
level and can be used for sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
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Pages:133-138
How to cite this article:
Chimankpa W Worlu, Joy Worukwo-Emma Nneji, Nyekachi B Wofu, Fortune N C Okogbule "Bioactive effect of lime and lemon peels extracts on soil microflora load and disease incidence on soybean". International Journal of Agriculture and Plant Science, Vol 8, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 133-138
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