Mycotoxic potentials of Azadirachta indica Adr. Juss. and Aloe vera (L.) N. Burman extracts against Fungi associated with Rotting Capsicum annuum L. (Chilli Pepper).

Abstract

The mycotoxic potentials of Azadirachta indica Adr. Juss. and Aloe vera (L.) N. Burman extracts was tested against rot of Capsicum annuum L. (Chilli pepper). The fungi were isolated from rotting pepper fruits by placing them aseptically on acidified potato dextrose agar. Pure cultures were obtained by sub culturing onto fresh acidified PDA and later stored at room temperature. Aqueous and methanol extracts of Azadirachta indica and Aloe. vera were obtained using standard measures. The isolated fungi were identified and cultured on acidified potato dextrose agar impregnated aqueous and methanol extracts and the combination of Azadirachta indica and Aloe vera extracts. All plates were incubated at room temperature for 7 days. The plates were observed daily for fungal growth with the measurement of each fungus taken using a meter rule. All experiments were done in duplicates. The data obtained was subjected to analysis using SAS version 9.2. Four fungal pathogens were isolated and these were Aspergillus tamarii, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium digitatum and Botrytis cinerea. Days, Organisms and Concentrations levels recorded highly significant (p<0.0001) effects with respect to inhibition by all extracts. Highly significant (p<0.0001) interactions were obtained for Days and Organisms, Days and Concentrations and interactions among Days, Organisms and Concentrations. The synergistic effects (aqueous and methanol) of Neem leaf and Aloe leaf inhibited A. tamarii, A. flavus and P. digitatum at combinations of 75% Aloe (A) with 50% Neem (N) (A75+N50). B. cinerea was inhibited by the combination (aqueous) of 25% Aloe and 25% Neem (A25+N25) and the combination (methanol) of 75% Aloe with 75% Neem (A75+N75). This confirm the inhibitory potentials of interaction between the two botanicals. Phytochemical components present in the combinations need to be determined to understand how they interact with the inhibition of these organisms. Keywords: Neem, Aloe, synergistic effect, botanicals, fungi 1.