Bio-control Of Crop Diseases

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Many of our local plants contain helpful chemicals, particularly alkaloids, that are
effective against fungal and bacterial diseases of other plants. Thus, they are
mixed with the soil to control the fungus that causes the diseases of seedlings. Allow the leaves to decompose for about one week before transplanting the seedlings. Some of these leaves are as follows:      

abaca leaves chico sampaloc
     
avocado "kakawate" sampaguita
     
alibangbang garlic orchid santan-pula
     
acacia datiles santol
     
ampalaya jackfruit tanglad
     
atis lanzones eggplant
     
guavas rimas beans (red variety)
     
coconut onions chichirica
     
calamansi ginger upo
     
star-apple papaya sugarcane
     
cacao malunggay watermelon
     
cassava cowpea tobacco
     
calachuci saluyot      

Thus, using plant leaves in controlling disease-causing organisms is no doub
cheaper than pesticides and insecticides. It is also simpler and easier to apply by merely incorporating the leaves with soil during cultivation. When decomposed, the leaves release certain chemicals which prevents harmful bacteria and fungi from attacking the crops. Besides controlling diseases, the leaves also increase the organic matter content of the soil, improving its structure and fertility.   
  

Source:       Philippine Farmers' Journal June 1982
Descriptor:  Pest management
Descriptor:  Crop diseases

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