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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Poplarville, Mississippi » Southern Horticultural Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #242509
Title: Evaluation of the Biopesticidal Potential of Hedychium Species for Pests and Disease Control in Organic Vegetable Production Systems

Author
item NYOCHEMBENG, LEOPOLD - Alabama A & M University
item Sakhanokho, Hamidou

Submitted to: Association of Research Directors
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/12/2009
Publication Date: 3/28/2009
Citation: Nyochembeng, L.M., Sakhanokho, H.F. 2009. Evaluation of the Biopesticidal Potential of Hedychium Species for Pests and Disease Control in Organic Vegetable Production Systems. Association of Research Directors Directors (ARD) Conference, March 28-April 1, Atlanta, GA, p. 200.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The genus Hedychium belongs to the ginger family and consists of about 80 species, which are used for various purposes. Hedychium has become increasingly popular as an ornamental because of the showy and aromatic inflorescences of many of its species, which are also cultivated for their perfume essences. The aerial stems constitute a useful raw material for manufacturing paper. Some species are grown for their edible flowers. Finally, Hedychium species are well known for their medicinal properties. The objective of this study was to assess the insecticidal and antimicrobial activities of the essential oils, crude leaf and rhizome extracts, callus and suspension cultures of several Hedychium species and cultivars. Insecticidal and antimicrobial activities varied significantly depending on the Hedychium species or the source of the plant extract (crude leaf or rhizome extract, essential oils, callus, suspension cultures). The essential oils from selected Hedychium species/cultivars were very effective against azalea lace bug and Aspergillus flavus, an aflatoxin (carcinogen) producing fungus. Crude leaf extracts had significantly higher antibacterial and antifungal activities than crude rhizome extracts. Further evaluation of the biocontrol activity of plant extracts from this species on common foliar diseases of tomato in small farm organic production system is discussed.