Hazalina, Z.1*, Siti Noraini, B.1, Siti Nadzirah, P.1, Muhamad Shafiq, A. K.1, Noor Azlina, M.2 and Mohd Nor, M. R.1
Abstract
Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is the causal agent of bacterial leaf blight (BLB), one of the most serious diseases affecting the rice industry. The Xoo bacteria enter either through wounds or hydathodes, multiply in the epitheme, and move to the xylem vessels, where active multiplication results in blight disease symptoms on rice leaves. The prolonged use of chemicals or antibiotics to prevent the disease outbreak may cause undesirable effects such as residual toxicity, development of pathogen resistance, environmental pollution, health hazards to humans and animals, and increased expenditure for plant protection. Meanwhile, essential oils provide a natural, sustainable, and eco-friendly approach to pest management, promoting healthier ecosystems and reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides. Seven plant essential oils were selected for the study. The antibacterial activity was assessed regarding their ability to inhibit Xoo growth on peptone sucrose agar (PSA). Essential oils from lemongrass (LgEO) showed a wide length of inhibition zone diameter (25.67 ± 2.52 mm). The result of the minimum LgEO concentration that kills Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae bacteria was identified at about 0.1% (v/v). This study indicated that LgEO can be developed individually as an environmentally safe bactericidal formulation against BLB in paddy.
Keywords: bacterial leaf blight, lemongrass, botanical control, essential oil
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