Abstract
Crude extracts of neem and bitter kola seeds were evaluated for inhibition of the growth of aflatoxin-producing fungi (Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus) in Zea mays L. Different concentrations of the methanolic and ethanolic extracts of the test plants were tested individually and in combination against A. flavus and A. parasiticus. Inhibition of A. flavus using methanolic extracts of G. kola, neem and combination of (G. kola and neem) seeds revealed that inhibition was highest in G. kola (77.5) at 10% concentration, and lowest in neem (35.1) at 2.5% concentration. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference at 5%. Inhibition of A. flavus using ethanolic extracts of G. kola, neem and combination of G. kola and neem seeds revealed that inhibition was highest in the combination of (80.4) at 10% concentration and lowest in G. kola (31.4) at 2.5% concentration. Using methanolic extracts of G. kola, neem and combination against A. parasiticus showed that inhibition was highest in G. kola and combination of seeds (54.8) at 10% concentration and lowest in neem seeds (30.5) at 5.0% concentration. The percentage inhibition of A. parasiticus using ethanolic extracts of G. kola, neem and combination revealed that inhibition was highest in G. kola (79.5) at 10% concentration and lowest in the combination of G. kola and neem seeds (26.6) at 2.5% concentration. These results will be important in planning a management strategy against A. flavus and A. parasiticus and other fungi associated with spoilage of stored products.
Highlights
Zea mays L. belongs to the grain-producing family—Poaceae [1]
Fungal isolates associated with maize observed in this study include: Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus, A. niger and Fusarium oxysporum
Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus, A. niger and Fusarium oxysporum were isolated from the maize sample
Summary
The name maize was derived from South American Indian Arawak-Carib word called-Mahiz. This seed is called corn by the British and Americans which means “that which sustains life” [2]. Maize is a widely adopted crop capable of production during the appropriate season in almost all parts of the world where farming is done. According to Fatima and Abdul [3], the major cereals grown in the sub-savanna region of Nigeria include: maize (Zea mays L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.). Especially those produced by species of Aspergillus render a significant portion of the agricultural produce in the world unfit for human consumption [5]. Over 300 fungal metabolites have been reported toxic to man and animals and more than 25% of the world cereals are contaminated with known mycotoxin [6]
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