The aims of the present work were to evaluate the effects of Momordica charantia extracts on mycelial growth and conidial germination of Colletotrichum musae, as well as the efficiency of these extracts in controlling anthracnose caused by C. musae in bananas. Water and hydroethanol extracts were obtained from leaves and branches at 50% concentration relative to the added volume. In solid medium, extracts led to 71 and 65% mycelial growth inhibition, respectively, whereas in liquid medium the mycelial growth was inhibited at 86 and 81%, respectively. Only water extract and thiophanate-methyl, at 50% and 1000 µg mL-1, respectively, resulted in 100% inhibition of C. musae spore germination. Methanol and water extracts inhibited by 80 and 70%, respectively, the development of lesions in bananas when applied until two days before fungal inoculation. These results were similar to those of the treatment with thiophanate-methyl, which inhibited 80% development of lesions. The presence of antifungal substance was confirmed in M. charantia extracts. Future studies must be performed to make its use viable for the control of anthracnose in bananas.
Musa spp.; bitter melon; anthracnose; plant extracts; alternative control
