In vitro antifungal effect of Aloe vera and cinnamon essential oil incorporated Aloe vera on stem-end rot pathogens of mango (cv. Karthakolomban)

This research was conducted to determine the in vitro antifungal effect of Aloe vera and cinnamon oil incorporated Aloe vera on stem-end rot pathogens isolated from Karthakolomban mango.

Effect of Aloe vera gel was determined using a liquid bioassay against the selected pathogens. Same bioassay was conducted to determine the effect of combinations of Aloe vera gel + cinnamon leaf and bark oils. A minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum lethal (MLC) concentration for each pathogen was determined.

Aloe vera at 10% v/v showed the best effect against Pestalotiopsis sp. and Phomopsis sp. whereas Lasiodiplodia theobromae was controlled at the highest percentage at 12.5% v/v concentration. The MLC of Aloe vera + cinnamon leaf oil and Aloe vera + cinnamon bark oil against Pestalotiopsis were identified as 10% + 0.50 µl/ mL and 10% + 0.60 µl/ mL respectively. The MLC against Phomopsis for Aloe vera + cinnamon leaf and Aloe vera + cinnamon bark oils were identified as 10% + 0.80 µl/ mL, and 10% + 0.50 µl/ mL, respectively. When considering L. theobromae, concentrations of 12.5% + 0.60 µl/ mL and 12.5% + 0.15 µl/ mL were identified as the MLC for Aloe vera + cinnamon leaf oil and Aloe vera + cinnamon bark oil respectively.

 Aloe vera gel without cinnamon oils was unable to inhibit fungal growth completely.

This study reveals the potential of using cinnamon oil in combination with Aloe vera as a preservative treatment against stem-end rot pathogens of mango.