Wood Vinegar Cuts Maize Fungal Disease 78% and Boosts Yield
Experimental Design and Application
The study was conducted in two parts:
- In Vitro Assay: Examined how different concentrations of biochar and WV (0.50%, 1.00%, and 2.00%) inhibited *F. verticillioides* mycelial growth on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) plates.
- Greenhouse Trials: Soil-drenching treatments of 1% and 2% biochar and WV were applied twice, four weeks apart, to maize plants grown in infested soil. Key parameters measured included disease severity, plant growth traits, anatomical responses, and biochemical markers.
Key Findings
Wood Vinegar Strongly Inhibited *F. verticillioides* Growth in Vitro
- 2% WV reduced fungal growth by 78.32%, making it the most effective antifungal treatment.
- Biochar at 2% also suppressed fungal growth by 61.56%, but was less effective than WV.
- The results indicate that WV has potent antifungal activity, likely due to its high phenolic and organic acid content.
Stalk and Ear Rot Disease Suppression
- 2% WV reduced stalk rot severity from 57.35% (control) to 18.41% in the first season and from 55.18% to 16.52% in the second season.
- 2% WV reduced ear rot severity from 68.44% (control) to 22.35% in the first season and from 71.42% to 20.46% in the second season.
Improved Maize Growth and Biomass
- Plant height increased by 66.9% (biochar) and 67.7% (WV) over the control.
- Fresh weight increased significantly, with 2% biochar yielding the highest fresh biomass (244.30 g/plant in season one and 171.47 g/plant in season two).
- Dry weight followed a similar trend, with WV slightly trailing biochar in promoting biomass accumulation.
Anatomical Enhancements in Roots and Leaves
- Both biochar and WV improved root diameter, cortex thickness, and vascular bundle number, strengthening root structure.
- Leaf anatomy improved with increased midrib thickness, blade thickness, and mesophyll development, enhancing photosynthetic efficiency.