Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) production in Nigeria is severely limited by Fusarium-induced dry rot. This study evaluated the integrated management of Fusarium spp. using indigenous plant extracts and rhizospheric microorganisms. A survey of 100 farmlands in Ogun State identified Fusarium as the predominant pathogen, accounting for 61.2% of isolates. Quantitative phytochemical screening of six indigenous plants revealed that Zingiber officinale contained the highest concentrations of alkaloids, saponins, and phenols. In vitro assays showed that 20% Z. officinale ethanol extract inhibited mycelial growth by over 70%. Furthermore, Trichoderma and Bacillus species isolated from the rhizosphere demonstrated significant antagonistic activity; with one of the Trichoderma isolate achieving 71.7% inhibition. Field and storage trials confirmed that integrated application reduced disease incidence and improved plant vigour (length of stem and number of leaves). These results suggest that combining Z. officinale extracts with biocontrol agents offers a sustainable, eco‑friendly alternative to chemical fungicides
Folasade Ade-ogunnowo (2025) studied this question.