The effect of organic soil amendments on stalk rot of maize caused by Fusarium verticillioides

The effect of 3 organic soil amendments viz., cassava peel (Manihot esculenta, Cranz), sawdust (Gmelina arborea, Roxb) and leaves (Cedrela odorata, L) on the stalk rot maize (Zea mays L.) caused by Fusarium verticillioides was investigated. Fourteen treatments made up single or combined with pathogenic non-pathogenic inoculation concentrations 3:1, 2:2 1:3 were added to 15.8 g sterilized soil. Growth parameters data leaf numbers, stem girth, plant height area collected biweekly. All had significant effects heights, number leaves, areas, stems girths disease indices severities treated plants compared controls. Concentration 2 (2:2) highest all growth considered gave lowest index (P= 0.05, R2= 0.98) severity 0.92) in plants. Plants peels C odorata significantly thus, competing favourably F verticillioides. Severity can reduce amended soils unamended soils.   Key word: Organic amendment,  rot, verticillioides, toothpick inoculation, stem, Gmelina Manihot Cederela odorata.