Abstract
This study investigated the antifungal activity of leaf extracts of Prosopis africana and Anacardium occidentale against Macrophomina phaseolina, the causal agent of root rot of Sesamum indicum L. Phytochemical analysis of the two plants showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and anthraquinones in petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, methanol and water extracts. The effectiveness of the two medicinal plants viz: P. africana and A. occidentale was tested against the causative agent of root rot of Sesamum indicum L. The effect of plant leaf extracts on mycelia growth of the test organism shows that both P. africana and A. anacardium reduced the mycelia growth significantly as compared to the control (plate, 2, 3, 4). The antifungal property of P. africana and A. occidentale makes these plants of potential interest for the control of the fungi Macrophomina phaseolina.
Highlights
Plants have long served mankind as source of medicinal agents
This study investigated the antifungal activity of leaf extracts of Prosopis africana and Anacardium occidentale against Macrophomina phaseolina, the causal agent of root rot of Sesamum indicum L
The effectiveness of the two medicinal plants viz: P. africana and A. occidentale was tested against the causative agent of root rot of Sesamum indicum L
Summary
Plants have long served mankind as source of medicinal agents. These have been found to possess fungicidal properties against various phytopathogenic fungi [1]. The extracts of pulverized bark of Prosopis africana and leaves of N. latifolia inhibited both radial mycelia growth and sclerotial formation of Macrophomina phaseolina by 100% [3]. Ezike [5] reported that almost all parts of Prosopis africana tree are used in medicine; the leaves in particular are used for the treatment of headache and toothache as well as various other head ailments. In Mali, the leaves, bark, twigs and roots are used to treat and relieve bronchitis, dermatitis, tooth decay, dysentery, malaria and stomach cramps. In Ghana, the pod ashes of P. africana are source of potash for soap making [5]
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