Leaf disease of dracaena trifasciata (Prain) Mabb. caused by lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat.) Griffon & Maubl. and fungal growth inhibition by three common household disinfectants

Date of Publication

7-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Subject Categories

Biology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Mark Angelo O. Balendres

Defense Panel Chair

Mark Christian Felipe R. Redillas

Defense Panel Member

Dennis A. Dolojan
John Paul S. Domingo

Abstract (English)

The snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata (Prain) Mabb.), formerly known as Sansevieria trifasciata Prain, is a popular ornamental plant in the Philippines. Beyond its decorative value, D. trifasciata is also known for its use in traditional medicine, potential to improve indoor air quality, and for producing fibers that are used in textiles and other products, highlighting its economic importance. This study is the first to identify Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat.) Griffon & Maubl. as the causative agent of leaf blight on D. trifasciata in the Philippines, a globally reported, opportunistic pathogen of various crops. Nine fungal isolates obtained from symptomatic leaves were purified, but only one isolate (Dr 002) was confirmed to be pathogenic. This was based on lesion development and re-isolation of the pathogen from wounded leaves, establishing Koch’s postulates. Additionally, typical morphological traits of L. theobromae, such as rapid mycelial growth and darkening colonies, were observed on PDA. To evaluate potential treatments, the study tested three common chemical disinfectants, 70% isopropyl alcohol, 6% sodium hypochlorite, and 6% hydrogen peroxide, on fungal growth in vitro. All treatments displayed significant inhibitory effects (p < 0.05), with isopropyl alcohol achieving 100% inhibition. Sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide showed 95.2% and 87.8% inhibition, respectively. Statistical test ANOVA revealed significant differences among treatments. However, Tukey HSD confirmed that the treatments differed significantly from the control but not from each other, indicating comparable effectiveness. These findings confirm that L. theobromae is a pathogen of D. trifasciata. Common household disinfectants, most notably isopropyl alcohol, inhibit its growth in vitro, offering an affordable and accessible approach to managing L. theobromae infections in snake plants. Further phytotoxicity testing is recommended.

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

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Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Sansevieria trifasciata; Dracaena; Disinfection and disinfectants

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Embargo Period

8-14-2025

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