Exploring the antifungal potential of Allium sativum and Ocimum gratissimum against post-harvest fungal pathogens in mango fruits

Abstract

<p>Post-harvest spoilage of fruits and vegetables caused by fungal pathogens is a serious challenge to fruit production in many parts of the world. The study was conducted to evaluate the sensitivity of fungal pathogens associated with post-harvest rot of mango fruits to crude extracts from two edible plants, <em>Allium sativum</em> and <em>Ocimum gratissimum</em>, in the study area. Five different fungal isolates were isolated from diseased mango fruits collected from fruit stores in the study area and identified as <em>Aspergillus</em> spp. (M<sub>1</sub>), <em>Rhizopus</em> spp. (M<sub>2</sub>), <em>Fusarium</em> spp. (M<sub>3</sub>), <em>Penicillium</em> spp. (M<sub>4</sub>), <em>Fusarium</em> spp. (M<sub>5</sub>), <em>Penicillium</em><em> spp.</em> (M<sub>6</sub>), <em>Aspergillus</em> spp. (M<sub>7</sub>), and Colletotrichum spp. (M<sub>8</sub>) using radial growth rate and morphological features of the mycelia. A constant concentration of each of the crude extracts was applied to the growth media containing the growing cultures of the fungal isolates. The radial extension of the colonies for each isolate was measured along pre-marked perpendicular axes on the base of the petri-dish after 24 h and this continued for 10–14 days. It was observed that <em>Rhizopus</em> spp., <em>Fusarium</em> spp., <em>Penicillium</em><em> spp</em>., and Colletotrichum spp. had the least growth rate when treated with the extracts.</p>